Kintsugi Bowl / Blue Lightning

Crafted through a rare collaboration between ceramic artist Mr. Banshoya from Senshu, Osaka, and Lacquer Studio Shikata Kizo, this piece 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.

Rooted in the tea ceremony of the Muromachi period, Kintsugi does not merely repair damage. It honors the object’s history, transforming fractures into radiant veins of gold that breathe new life into the ceramic.

Distinguished by vivid turquoise glazes and dynamic drips, the bowl combines refreshing brilliance with grounded strength. A striking seam of gold lacquer flows boldly from the rim toward the base, resembling a flash of golden lightning cutting across an azure sky.

Because each fracture is an unrepeatable gift of nature, meticulously restored by hand, no two pieces will ever be the same. More than a striking centerpiece, it invites the beauty of resilience and renewal into your daily life—a timeless treasure to cherish for generations.

Diameter: 16.4cm
Height: 8.0cm
Weight: 388g

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.