Repair

Every repair begins with careful attention to the vessel.

Some pieces require only a delicate mend along a hairline crack. Others arrive in fragments, asking to be rebuilt over weeks or months. Each repair follows its own rhythm.

I practice traditional Hon-Kintsugi using natural urushi lacquer. Every stage has its purpose. Adhesives bind what was broken. Fillers rebuild what was missing. Finishing layers refine the surface. The final metal, whether gold, silver, or another finish, is an accent, never the essence.

Restoration is measured not in days, but in weeks or months. The vessel’s condition, the materials required, and the curing of each layer determine the pace of the work. Nothing is hurried.

Every repair begins with photographs and a brief description of the piece. From there, I evaluate its condition, discuss the possibilities with you, and determine the most appropriate path forward.

If you are considering a repair, I invite you to get in touch. Together, we can begin the conversation.

Materials

生漆
Ki-Urushi
Raw lacquer sap, the foundation of every stage.

麦漆
Mugi Urushi
Flour and lacquer adhesive, binding the first cracks.

木屎
Kokuso
Lacquer mixed with hemp and wood powder, rebuilding what was missing.

錆漆
Sabi Urushi
Fine clay powder lacquer refining level leveling of the surface.

朱漆
Shu-nuri
Traditional red finishing lacquer.

黒漆
Roiro
Traditional black finishing lacquer.

Metal Finishes
Gold, silver, or other metals provide the final accent, not the essence.