Kintsugi (金継ぎ),  literally means “golden repair.” It is the Japanese art of repairing broken ceramics in a way that honors their history rather than concealing it.

Traditional Hon-Kintsugi uses natural urushi lacquer and follows centuries-old Japanese methods of repair. Modern decorative “kintsugi” often uses epoxy resin and metallic powders to achieve a similar appearance more quickly. While both celebrate repair, Ma Kōbō practices traditional Hon-Kintsugi using natural urushi lacquer.

Urushi is a natural lacquer harvested from the lacquer tree (Toxicodendron vernicifluum). It has been used in Japan for centuries for both decorative and functional objects. Traditional Hon-Kintsugi relies on urushi as both an adhesive and a finish throughout the repair process.

No. Ma Kōbō practices traditional Hon-Kintsugi using natural urushi lacquer rather than epoxy resin. Decorative epoxy methods are faster and more accessible, but they are distinct from the traditional Japanese process.

Natural urushi lacquer has been used in Japan for centuries and remains the foundation of traditional Hon-Kintsugi. While epoxy offers a faster repair, urushi allows the restoration to follow the original methods of the craft. At Ma Kōbō, the material is inseparable from the practice.

Collaborative, honest, and straightforward. We're here to guide the process, bring ideas to the table, and keep things moving.

Most pottery and porcelain can be repaired, but every vessel is unique. I’ll need photographs or the piece itself, to determine what is possible.

Yes. Glass can often be repaired, although it requires a different approach during the early stages of restoration than ceramic. Because glass is generally more fragile than ceramic, repairs require additional care and are often more time-intensive. I’ll need photographs, or the piece itself, to determine what is possible. Once repaired, glass pieces are typically better suited for display or gentle use rather than everyday handling.

Yes. Many repairs involve sentimental, antique, or one-of-a-kind pieces. Every vessel is evaluated individually to determine whether traditional Hon-Kintsugi is an appropriate approach and what level of restoration is possible.

Yes. Traditional Hon-Kintsugi can often repair chips, cracks, broken pieces, and missing fragments. The appropriate method depends on the condition of the vessel and the extent of the damage.

Even fragments can often be restored using traditional fillers. Missing pieces are rebuilt stage by stage before the finishing layers are applied.

Repairs generally span weeks to months, depending on the number of stages, curing times, and environmental conditions (ideal drying temperature is ~68–77 °F with 70–80% humidity).

Natural urushi lacquer cures through humidity rather than evaporation. Each layer must cure completely before the next can be applied, making traditional repairs a process measured in weeks or months rather than days. The pace of the repair is determined by the materials and the vessel itself.

Yes. Traditional Hon-Kintsugi repairs are food-safe once fully cured, provided food-safe finishing materials such as gold or silver are used.

No. Traditional Kintsugi is not dishwasher, oven, or microwave safe. High heat and pressure can damage the cured lacquer or finishes.

Hand-wash gently with a soft cloth and avoid extremes of heat. Kintsugi pieces should not go in the dishwasher, microwave, or oven.

Yes. Ma Kōbō offers traditional Hon-Kintsugi workshops and private retreats in Colorado and Costa Rica. Workshops introduce the craft, while retreats offer an opportunity for deeper study through extended studio practice.

No. Ma Kōbō provides all practice pieces and materials. Each vessel has been selected to illustrate a different stage of traditional Hon-Kintsugi, allowing participants to experience the complete process while the workshop progresses at a shared pace.

Every repair is unique. Costs reflect the time involved, the materials required, and the chosen finish. Please contact me with details about your piece so we can begin the conversation.

Ma Kōbō is dedicated exclusively to traditional Hon-Kintsugi using natural urushi lacquer. The studio emphasizes careful craftsmanship, small-group learning, and the philosophy of repair, where the process matters as much as the finished piece.

Ma Kōbō offers repairs, workshops, and private retreats in Colorado, USA, and Costa Rica.

Because some things, like trust, repair, and real connection, take time.

Like Kintsugi, they ask for presence, patience, and care.

I believe in slow conversations, quiet gestures, and showing up without a filter.