24K Gold Kintsugi Oribe Matcha Bowl | Moss and Luster

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 Oribe Ware, A Tea Master's Vision Oribe ware bears the name of tea master Furuta Oribe, who championed bold asymmetry in 16th century Japan. This robust, hand-thrown earthenware bowl carries crackled ivory glaze, a rounded organic form, a sweep of copper-green, and a botanical motif in free brushwork. Four Months of Urushi, Then Gold Natural urushi lacquer cannot be rushed. Over four months, Rio Hashimoto built this restoration layer by patient layer, each coat cured in controlled humidity before the next was applied. She completed her graduate studies in the urushi department of Kyoto City University of Arts (est. 1880), mastering the full discipline from woodworking through final finishing. The 24K gold was hand-polished with migaki-ko powder and plant oil to a roiro-grade finish — every layer informed by the same techniques that have preserved Japanese lacquerwork for centuries. Imperfection by Design Oribe potters were instructed to embrace the irregular. This bowl's crackled glaze and copper-green were never meant for perfection. Gold kintsugi lines now cross a surface already shaped by deliberate imperfection, where two traditions meet: one that prized the unfinished, and one that honors what has been broken and made whole.