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Kintsugi Terrace
Kintsugi Ceramic Repair | Traditional Urushi Method
Fukuoka, Japan · Toronto, Canada · Worldwide shipping
Now accepting new commissions from Fukuoka, Japan. Pieces from Toronto and abroad are welcome by post, as always.
What is Kintsugi?
Japanese Tradition
Kintsugi (金継ぎ) is the Japanese traditional techniques of restoring broken pottery and porcelains by mending the areas of breakage with Urushi natural lacquer.
As the name of Kintsugi suggests, gold is used for decoration after restoration, a technique that highlights that chips and cracks can be beautiful. This method became popular in Japan during the Muromachi period (1336-1573).
Philosophy
Kintsugi’s philosophy reflects Japanese culture and teaches us:
(1) the importance of cherishing and caring for things in a mass consumption society, and (2) the beauty of brokenness and imperfection in things and ourselves.
We all experience scars and scratches in our hearts in our lifetime, but they are a part of our history and give a new beauty to us – no need to be ashamed or hide them as we all are beautiful in every way.
The Artist
Yui, Kintsugi Terrace
Yui is the ceramic restorer at Kintsugi Terrace. Born in Fukuoka, Japan, she trained in the traditional method there and moved to Toronto, Canada in 2022 to share the beauty of the art of taking good care of precious pieces and passing on history to the next generation.
In the fall of 2025 she returned to Fukuoka, where the terrace now continues. Her clients in Toronto and around the world are still warmly welcomed; pieces travel safely by post in both directions.
In modern times, some use glue as a simplified version. However, Yui does kintsugi the traditional way using natural urushi lacquer.
The Art
Kintsugi Terrace believes each piece of tableware has a story or memory to tell, especially the chips and cracks. One of the charms of kintsugi is the ability to restore such ware and give new beauty and uniqueness to the piece.
How it works
1. Send photos
Front, back and the damage, with the size of the piece.
2. Quote
A quote and an honest timeline, usually within a few days.
3. Send or drop off
By post from anywhere, or in person in Fukuoka.
4. Restoration
Two to three months of urushi, patience and gold.
5. Back to your table
Returned food-safe, with care notes.
Blogs
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Kintsugi: Materials and Repair Process
Kintsugi is a Japanese restoration method for porcelain, ceramic & stone pottery. Dating six thousand years ago, it’s a…