24K Gold Kintsugi Ko-Imari Sake Cup | Arcs Above Longevity

Porcelain of Good Fortune This sake cup is descende from Ko-Imari, Japan's 17th- and 18th-century export porcelain. During that time, wares shipped from the port of Imari furnished European courts. Its sometsuke cobalt decoration follows the Syonzui manner, framing medallions bearing the character for longevity — a blessing to be lived with. Arcs Traced in Gold The kintsugi restoration descends from the rim in paired arcs that converge above the longevity medallions. Over the course of four months, Rio Hashimoto, a lacquer artist who holds a Master’s degree in Lacquer Arts from Kyoto City University of Arts and has presented several solo exhibitions, rejoined the fragments with natural urushi and finished each seam in 24K gold. She then brought the piece to a roiro finish, the most refined surface achievable in urushi. Her work continues a discipline refined across centuries of Japanese lacquer practice. Seen from Within The most intimate view of this cup belongs to its owner. The gold arcs extend beyond the outer wall, crossing the rim and meeting within the white interior. The composition is not complete until the cup is lifted. The interior line follows a fracture path that occurred once and will not recur, making this Ko-Imari cup unique in the collection.