Pure Silver Kintsugi Shigaraki Cup | Ember and Ash

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! Kintsugi isn't just about gold! Finishing with pure silver (called "Gintsugi") and colored urushi lacquer (called "Iro-urushitsugi") are equally authentic forms of this art. Regardless of the type of finish, kintsugi honors imperfection, preserves history, and transforms each piece into a unique treasure. Kintsugi Finish Type for This Piece: Finish Type Materials Used Special Features Kintsugi Pure gold powder Offers a classic, elegant look that adds a touch of luxury. Gintsugi Pure silver powder Brings a contemporary twist to traditional pottery with a sleek, modern style. Iro-urushitsugi Colored urushi lacquer Adds a vibrant, artistic touch that impressively complements the design and style of the original vessel. Other Decorative Techniques for This Piece Nashiji Technique: In this technique, Nashiji powder, like gold or silver, is sprinkled onto the surface of the lacquered object. A clear lacquer is then applied, and the surface is polished to the extent that the powder is not exposed. The result is a stunning, glittering finish that looks like stars shining through the transparent urushi lacquer. The name Nashiji means "pear skin" in Japanese. Urushi-e, colorful lacquer painting: A historic technique of hand-painting with colored urushi lacquer, adding artistry and timeless refinement to the piece. About This Piece Shigaraki Earth, Eight Centuries Deep Shigaraki ware belongs to Japan's Six Ancient Kilns, with over 800 years of tradition. This hand-thrown cup carries an ivory white surface with dark iron spots, its robust rounded form and organic silhouette shaped by the potter's hands in the wabi-sabi spirit. Where a Fragment Was Lost, Urushi Answers Reassembled from several broken pieces and a missing section near the rim, this cup presented a complex restoration. Master artisan Nobuyasu Suginaka, with over 40 years of lacquer expertise honed through decades of restoring sacred temples and Buddhist altars, rebuilt the vessel over four months with natural urushi lacquer. Silver seams rejoin each fragment, brought to the deep luster of roiro, the pinnacle of urushi finishing. The lost section was filled entirely with layered urushi, then painted with urushi-e brushwork in red and gold and finished with the nashiji technique, transforming absence into one of the most striking elements of the piece. Shigaraki Meets the Lacquer Artist's Brush For most of its 800-year history, Shigaraki ware has drawn its character from the kiln alone. This cup now carries a second artistic voice. The black urushi panel, painted with gestural strokes of red and gold, introduces the vocabulary of lacquer art into a vessel born from earth and fire. Natural urushi lacquer continues to harden over decades, and the nashiji gold flecks within will deepen as the lacquer matures. Two of Japan's oldest craft traditions converge in a single cup.