24K Gold Kintsugi Arita Sake Cup | Cobalt Scatter

Discover the Japanese Art of Kintsugi Kintsugi, derived from the Japanese words "kin" (gold) and "tsugi" (to mend), is the ancient art of restoring broken pottery with natural Urushi lacquer and enhancing it with powdered metals such as pure gold. Though often recognized abroad simply as “golden joinery,” kintsugi is in fact one expression within Japan’s broader tradition of urushi lacquer arts. More than restoration, it is rooted in wabi-sabi—embracing imperfection, resilience, and renewal, while honoring the vessel’s history. To truly understand this art, one must first look to its foundation: urushi lacquer, a natural and sustainable material remarkable for its strength and versatility. For centuries, this living medium has been used to create Japan’s distinctive artistry. Why Urushi Is the Heart of Kintsugi? Urushi lacquer is a natural, sustainable material derived from the sap of the lacquer tree. It has been used for centuries in kintsugi due to its remarkable properties: Strong Adhesion: Ensures durable restoration. Water Resistance: Protects against leaks. Chemical Resistance: Resists acids, alkalis, salts, and alcohols. Thermal Insulation: Shields against heat. Antiseptic Properties: Naturally resists bacteria and fungi. Strong Film Formation: As the urushi lacquer dries, it forms a strong film that makes the restored piece resilient and durable. These versatile properties make urushi lacquer perfect for kintsugi, creating strong, beautiful and durable restorations that honor the history of the original piece and become cherished heirlooms. In addition, urushi lacquer is a sustainable material that is naturally sourced and promotes eco-friendly craftsmanship that respects both tradition and the environment. The Kintsugi Process (4-5 Months) Application: We carefully restore cracks, chips, or broken pieces with urushi lacquer, sometimes mixing with other natural materials for extra strength, depending on the damage. Layering: Restored areas are coated with several layers of urushi lacquer, dried, and polished several times to create a strong, smooth base. Decoration: Finally, we decorate the piece with metal powder. While pure gold is commonly used, we also use pure silver ("Gintsugi") and colored urushi lacquer ("Iro-urushitsugi") to match the original design. Learn more about the fascinating techniques of Kintsugi! About This Piece Arita Porcelain in Cobalt and White Arita ware, pioneered in the early 1600s, is considered the first Japanese porcelain. This sake cup features a wide, shallow basin atop a sculptural pedestal. Its delicate form is adorned with sometsuke blue dots scattered across the white porcelain, offering refined elegance with a modern sensibility. Restored by a National Treasure Conservator Seisaku Nakajima, certified as a Master of Traditional Crafts by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, restored this sake cup with natural urushi lacquer and 24K gold over four months. His work includes conservation at Saimyō-ji Temple, a National Treasure. Elevated by Tradition and Fracture The footed sake cup is a form rooted in Japan’s formal dining tradition. It is designed to elevate the vessel and the occasion. Gold seams cross the interior where fragments were rejoined; each seam follows the original fracture. This cup could not exist without having been broken.