Kintsugi Bowl / Midnight Horizon

Crafted through a rare collaboration between ceramic artist Mr. Banshoya from Senshu, Osaka, and Lacquer Studio Shikata Kizo, this wide bowl is a singular work of art. It embodies the essence of Kintsugi—the traditional Japanese philosophy of embracing imperfection as a deeper form of beauty.

Dating back to the Muromachi period and rooted in the tea ceremony, Kintsugi does not conceal damage. Instead, it honors an object’s history and fragility, transforming fractures into radiant veins of gold.

Rich gradations of midnight indigo and earthy black evoke the stillness of an ocean horizon at night. Along the rim, a delicate line of gold lacquer gleams like distant light, bringing elegant balance to the textured glaze.

Because each fracture is an unrepeatable gift of chance, meticulously restored by hand, no two pieces will ever be the same. More than a decorative piece or a functional vessel, it invites the beauty of impermanence into your daily life—a quiet treasure to cherish for generations.

Diameter: 22.0cm
Height: 9.0cm
Weight: 728g

Clay
Urushi
Gold

LACQUER STUDIO SHIKATA KIZO

We are a specialized wholesaler and retailer of Japanese natural lacquer (Urushi) and raw lacquer materials.

Founded in 1867 (the Keio era), we established our store in the heart of Kyoto near Shijo Kawaramachi in 1897. For over a century, our workshop has been cherished by generations of artisans, tea masters, and craft lovers across Japan.

Our greatest strength lies in our profound knowledge and decades of hands-on experience with natural lacquer. Refining Urushi is a remarkably delicate and exacting craft that demands deep expertise. We remain dedicated to honoring the traditional techniques passed down from our founders—continually refining our art to preserve and pass on the true soul of Japanese lacquer to future generations.

KINTSUGI / JAPANESE GOLDEN REPAIR

About 500 years ago / 1500s / Muromachi Period (1336–1573)

Kintsugi repairs broken ceramics with lacquer and finishes the joins with gold or other metal powder. It is generally associated with the rise of tea culture in the Muromachi period, when repairing valued vessels rather than discarding them became linked to an aesthetic that accepted damage as part of an object’s history.

In Japan, kintsugi is understood as more than technical repair. It allows the time an object has lived through to remain visible. Renewed interest in sustainability and repair culture has brought the technique beyond tea utensils to ordinary household ceramics and public workshops.

The gold line is never an original design—it records the accident itself. Because no two breaks are identical, every repaired pattern is unique. This visible history helps explain why kintsugi has become an international metaphor for accepting scars rather than pretending they never existed.

Individual Differences

As each piece is individually handcrafted, slight variations in color, pattern, shape, and texture may occur. These subtle differences are a natural characteristic of handcrafted works, making each piece truly unique. We hope you will enjoy these individual variations as part of the beauty and character of Japanese craftsmanship.

Production Time

If an item is not currently in stock, it may be made to order by the artisan. As each piece is carefully handcrafted, production may take several months depending on the item and the artisan's schedule. We appreciate your patience and understanding.