https://www.kin-kuro.com/home daily 1.0 2026-05-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69acb4b5e2c67b15615db9dc/c6663c19-3ea8-499f-b035-374c49a1e56c/9F07B5BD-CE84-43D1-BBE1-4F8E098B7B01.jpeg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69acb4b5e2c67b15615db9dc/6ec6928f-aba5-43cb-85ea-da9c49e08dc7/IMG_0843.jpeg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69acb4b5e2c67b15615db9dc/90e4dbb1-cf11-4507-860e-9f9b5a9d2674/IMG_0617.jpeg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69acb4b5e2c67b15615db9dc/25e1294f-c16d-4946-816e-399f8e2cbd2e/IMG_0582.jpeg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69acb4b5e2c67b15615db9dc/7ec90858-c6dc-4e94-8a24-0ef140dd6b1e/1.jpeg https://www.kin-kuro.com/join-the-waitlist daily 0.75 2026-07-18 https://www.kin-kuro.com/gallery daily 0.75 2026-03-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69acb4b5e2c67b15615db9dc/1785038310939-FDMKUNAO511UEIBG9LFC/IMG_1557.jpg Gallery When I first started Kin & Kuro, I was surprised by how many fish-themed pieces came my way. Maybe that shouldn’t have been so surprising, though. Clearly salmon isn't the only fish we love here in the PNW! That said, I fell for this plate immediately. Between its little open mouth, the texture of the scales, and the warm, earthy details in the glaze, it has so much personality. Its owners use it as an entryway dish, so the repair didn’t need to be food-safe. This time, we chose a bronze finish, and I'm even more pleased with it than I thought I would be! The bronze blends into the brown accents, almost disappearing until the light catches it and the repair suddenly shines. I’m looking forward to returning this piece to its place by the front door, where it can once again be part of its owners’ daily ritual of coming home. [Traditional kintsugi repair using urushi lacquer and bronze, 2026] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69acb4b5e2c67b15615db9dc/1785038283573-PPIHJPZJVYZYZINJBEKA/IMG_1567.jpg Gallery This enormous platter is one of the larger pieces I’ve had the opportunity to repair. Its owners purchased it during their honeymoon in Thailand 30 years ago, and the traditional wood-ash celadon glaze is absolutely beautiful. The damage itself was relatively small (though, in my opinion, sometimes those little chips are the most frustrating!), and from the front the repair is barely visible. What I love, though, is that the repair reveals itself through touch, instead. When you hold the platter, your fingers pass over the repair on the back, and it feels like a small surprise. I hope the owners are able to enjoy this platter for another 30 years together. [Traditional kintsugi repair using urushi lacquer and gold, 2026] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69acb4b5e2c67b15615db9dc/46e0a06c-3c8d-433b-b2ef-64e3dbe986c7/IMG_1552.jpeg Gallery This small mug belongs to a friend of mine, and was purchased locally here in Portland from one of my favorite stores, @tinybramblesshop. It was made in Korea, and I love its soft, almost watercolor-like decoration and the tiny blue speckles scattered throughout the glaze. A while back, I purchased blue and green urushi lacquer, but I haven’t had many opportunities to use them—until now! We chose to finish this mug with a deep blue urushi that matches those blue specks. I really love colored urushi finishes. They are fully food-safe once properly cured, and lacquerwork is an art form in its own right. Urushi has long been prized not only for its durability, but also for its depth, color, and beauty. I’m especially excited to return this one to my friend because she never even got the chance to use it before it broke. Now, she’ll finally get to enjoy it. [Traditional kintsugi repair using blue urushi lacquer, 2026] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69acb4b5e2c67b15615db9dc/ed46ca6e-4a21-449b-94e7-4e0179662243/IMG_1535.jpeg Gallery This adorable mug was one of the very first pieces its owner made after she began taking pottery classes—which is honestly so impressive. I was immediately drawn to the bright turquoise glaze and the little stamped hexagon pattern. The mug had already broken and been repaired a couple of times, but its owner loves it. She told me that even though the handle is slightly misshapen, it fits her hand perfectly, which is part of why she wanted to be able to keep using it. I was able to carefully remove the previous repairs and restore the mug using traditional kintsugi. I still have the very first piece I ever repaired with kintsugi, so I completely understand the sentimental value of an object like this. The owner is moving abroad soon, and I’m so glad she'll be able to bring it with her and use it in her new home! [Traditional kintsugi repair using urushi lacquer and gold, 2026] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69acb4b5e2c67b15615db9dc/75a44e8c-3ebd-4e01-ae64-0fb4b6afc353/IMG_1541.jpeg Gallery This small sake cup was brought to me by its owner’s wife. It's a very special piece for her husband, who first learned about the artist through a close friend who recently passed away. Although I don’t know the name of the original artist, it is an incredibly striking piece. The bold black-and-white pattern, and the rough, textured surface—especially along the rim—give it so much character. Sometimes a piece just feels made for kintsugi, and this was one of those. As I built up the underlying repair layers, I intentionally left a little more texture beneath the gold than I typically would. The slight unevenness allows the light to catch the surface differently, making it match the feel of the rest of the mug, and I'm really pleased with how it turned out. [Traditional kintsugi repair using urushi lacquer and gold, 2026] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69acb4b5e2c67b15615db9dc/0d7ab57f-78bd-4312-91eb-e75d094d4496/IMG_1529.jpeg Gallery This piece came to me with an incredibly sweet story. It was hand-painted by the owner’s mother, showcasing all of her daughter’s favorite foods from when she was a kid. She still uses the bowl today, and her husband reached out to have it repaired after it developed two small chips. We chose to repair the damaged areas so the bowl could continue to be used, while leaving some of the smaller imperfections along the rim as part of its ongoing story. Not every piece that is repaired with kintsugi is a rare antique or museum object—and it doesn’t need to be. Often, the pieces that mean the most are tied to people, memories, or daily rituals. Those are some of my favorite pieces to work with. [Traditional kintsugi repair using urushi lacquer and gold, 2026] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69acb4b5e2c67b15615db9dc/1781222211214-BDQCVIJXUZCP7IDH83I9/IMG_1331.jpg Gallery This pie plate arrived in my studio thanks to an incredibly caring friend. After the plate was accidentally dropped by its owner during a visit, her friend carefully collected the pieces and sought out ways to have it repaired as a surprise. I thought that was such a sweet gesture. The repair itself was a bit challenging—the curves of the plate meant that each piece needed to be aligned very carefully—but I'm really pleased with how it turned out. One of the things I love most about kintsugi is that it allows an object to keep the story behind the break. In this case, that story is about a friend who cared enough to save every piece and have something meaningful repaired. [Traditional kintsugi repair using urushi lacquer and gold.] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69acb4b5e2c67b15615db9dc/1781220967083-CBNDRJGTTKDFWHLQFW9S/IMG_1320.jpg Gallery This kyūsu was purchased during a trip to Japan and later arrived in my studio after an accidental drop broke the lid. One of my favorite details of this teapot is the relief-carved mountains. Combined with the soft green clay, it reminds me a little of Forest Park here in Portland. The gold repair feels right at home against the matte surface of the teapot, adding brightness while still allowing the original craftsmanship to remain the focus. I hope it gets to pour many more cups of tea for years to come. [Traditional kintsugi repair using urushi lacquer and gold, 2026] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69acb4b5e2c67b15615db9dc/5b801c1a-3d75-4cd1-a6a2-67e9fff85619/IMG_1317.jpeg Gallery I had the opportunity to work with a neighbor here in North Portland on one of her kitchen plates. While decorative pieces are always a joy to repair, I have a soft spot for objects that are used and enjoyed every day. One of the things I love most about kintsugi is that it can add a little extra significance to an ordinary part of your day. A plate that was once part of a set becomes something you notice each time you set the table. [Traditional kintsugi repair using urushi lacquer and gold, 2026] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69acb4b5e2c67b15615db9dc/e8975731-0495-41d3-8f39-fb8c9ce91c2a/IMG_1311.jpeg Gallery This small creamer arrived after an accidental fall left it broken into several pieces. Because the owner planned to display rather than use the piece, we opted for a bronze finish instead of a food-safe precious metal. The warmth of the bronze nicely complemented the clay body, while still providing a subtle contrast to the cool cobalt stripes. I think it’ll make a wonderful addition to a kitchen shelf, where the bronze repair can catch the light. [Traditional kintsugi repair using urushi lacquer and bronze, 2026] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69acb4b5e2c67b15615db9dc/6ef6580a-45fc-49c8-b76d-da9740d7f4a3/017_Green+Tea+Cup_4.jpeg Gallery This small ceramic tea cup set came to me with two clean breaks running across the lid. It’s made up of three parts—a cup, built-in strainer, and lid—and finished in a soft green crackled glaze with a bold floral pattern. Despite its small size, it has a surprising heft, and with the pattern running through it, I chose slightly thicker gold lines so the repair wouldn’t get lost. The gold really complements the dark green—possibly my favorite combinations of colors so far. [Traditional kintsugi repair using urushi lacquer and gold, 2026] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69acb4b5e2c67b15615db9dc/8ff48c90-f816-49b7-a9ec-c53fb327d82a/016_Chinese+Porcelain+Mug_1.jpeg Gallery This delicate porcelain teacup came to me with a small chip along the rim. It’s incredibly lightweight—almost weightless to hold—and had a previous repair that was quite noticeable, which I carefully removed before completing the kintsugi repair. With its red edge and intricate bird and floral pattern, I kept the gold finish subtle—just enough to catch the light without competing with the design. [Traditional kintsugi repair using urushi lacquer and gold, 2026] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69acb4b5e2c67b15615db9dc/902b68bf-3093-4d7e-a3b3-79a904f5e7da/015_Oregon+Utensil+Holder_1.jpeg Gallery This small ceramic utensil holder came back from a trip to Oregon and ended up becoming a favorite. When it chipped along the rim, I was really happy to be able to repair it. The soft green glaze and foggy trees remind me of the view of Forest Park over the St. Johns Bridge, and I chose a gold finish that highlights the repair without taking away from the piece. It now carries a bit more of its story with it. [Traditional kintsugi repair using urushi lacquer and gold, 2026] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69acb4b5e2c67b15615db9dc/443ad7e1-c1d7-45af-bb11-e9b59145fe47/IMG_0654.jpeg Gallery Part two of a two-plate repair from a set of shoyu plates. This one features a green cherry blossom motif. I actually really enjoy doing kintsugi on smaller pieces — the visual impact feels bigger, and honestly, they’re just really cute. [Traditional kintsugi repair using urushi lacquer and gold, 2025] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69acb4b5e2c67b15615db9dc/ffc57a7c-656a-4797-a4c9-d6df18ad7283/IMG_0657.jpeg Gallery Part one of a two-piece repair of a set of shoyu plates. This one features a pink blossom motif. I love how the repairs on these two plates end up complementing each other. [Traditional kintsugi repair using urushi lacquer and gold, 2025] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69acb4b5e2c67b15615db9dc/bc668996-4232-4359-861e-fec885d79749/IMG_0672.jpeg Gallery This little Care Bear was another find from my local “leave-a-mug, take-a-mug” library. It had a small crack under its ear, and instead of choosing a high-contrast finish, I went with copper, which blends in almost seamlessly. I was excited to return it to the library so it can find its forever home. [Traditional kintsugi repair using urushi lacquer and copper, 2025] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69acb4b5e2c67b15615db9dc/9163be76-f330-472b-a056-d05c592d0b36/IMG_0650.jpeg Gallery This small figurine was a gift from the owner’s friend, and we chose copper for the repair. I personally love copper — the warm reddish tones pair beautifully with white ceramics. It’s not food-safe, so it’s only appropriate for certain pieces, but in this case it worked perfectly. [Traditional kintsugi repair using urushi lacquer and copper, 2025] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69acb4b5e2c67b15615db9dc/2a568e8f-f79d-4305-b7c0-033a5fb7a2b1/IMG_0677.jpeg Gallery A little sponge holder that was originally a gift. Since it’s a hardworking kitchen piece, we chose bronze instead of gold or silver for the repair. I actually really love bronze — it sits somewhere between gold and silver visually, but at a fraction of the cost. And, I love how it pairs with the seafoam glaze. [Traditional kintsugi repair using urushi lacquer and bronze, 2025] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69acb4b5e2c67b15615db9dc/c8668ad6-f137-4918-8c90-d92169eb196a/IMG_0660.jpeg Gallery A small incense holder brought back from Japan. The owner was pretty devastated when it cracked, but I have to admit — I kind of love where the repair landed, right at the cat’s little feet. I think it looks even cuter now than it did before it broke. [Traditional kintsugi repair using urushi lacquer and gold, 2025] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69acb4b5e2c67b15615db9dc/82ad3e07-ac0a-4882-9fb0-60994bdc60cd/IMG_0591.jpeg Gallery The final piece (for now) in my own kitchen plate repair series. The other two plates had big, proper cracks, but this little side dish plate only had a small chip. I actually like the contrast between the repairs. I suppose we'll see if the collection grows over time! [Traditional kintsugi repair using urushi lacquer and gold, 2025] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69acb4b5e2c67b15615db9dc/489c8b04-b10d-4bfe-92b0-c57e5de40997/IMG_0671.jpeg Gallery A cute little magnet brought back from Portugal. It survived three moves, though not entirely without a few bumps along the way. I was happy to give this little souvenir some gold corners and a bit of extra character. [Traditional kintsugi repair using urushi lacquer and gold, 2025] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69acb4b5e2c67b15615db9dc/1f430c63-5e56-40f4-b256-a35ddf825797/3f63a88088bde9880b2b29ee5002364cf056ba1cf96e232bc1702f6d2e50405a.jpeg Gallery A well-loved little side plate. Traditionally, blue ceramics are often paired with silver in kintsugi repairs, since the colors complement each other so well. But the owner asked for gold to match their other pieces — and I have to say, I think it turned out beautifully. [Traditional kintsugi repair using urushi lacquer and gold, 2025] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69acb4b5e2c67b15615db9dc/4403136c-261a-45b1-861f-1b4bfd68e5fa/IMG_0600.jpeg Gallery The second in a series of my own kitchen plates that my wonderful — though slightly clumsy — partner broke. This one cracked right in half, which gave me an opportunity to do a rather dramatic-looking repair. It's such a delight to eat off of! [Traditional kintsugi repair using urushi lacquer and gold, 2025] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69acb4b5e2c67b15615db9dc/0f9f744e-f799-4314-a633-ce3d42599f3e/IMG_0608.jpeg Gallery A little sake cup featuring shunga, the playful, erotic prints of the Edo period. Somehow the kintsugi repair ended up being... surprisingly on brand. [Traditional kintsugi repair using urushi lacquer and gold, 2025] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69acb4b5e2c67b15615db9dc/a7245b6e-90a7-4465-962f-fd0d542a8212/IMG_0585.jpeg Gallery This one comes from my very own kitchen. I love to cook, and I love these plates… but they’re a little accident-prone. On the bright side, it’s nice being able to enjoy my own kintsugi work when I sit down for dinner. [Traditional kintsugi repair using urushi lacquer and gold, 2025] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69acb4b5e2c67b15615db9dc/24d0b3f0-4207-48ef-abcf-e7c01da5c8f2/IMG_0603.jpeg Gallery My neighbor down the street recently put up a little free mug library. I like checking it from time to time for pieces that need a little help. This one had a broken handle, so I repaired it and returned it to the library to wait for its next home. [Traditional kintsugi repair using urushi lacquer and gold, 2025] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69acb4b5e2c67b15615db9dc/35c540dd-f8c1-4750-b9ff-85d4d2e61550/IMG_0614.jpeg Gallery My partner’s favorite mug, originally purchased at the Oregon Potters Association's Ceramic Showcase. A small crack took it out of the morning coffee rotation for a while, but now it’s back where it belongs. [Traditional kintsugi repair using urushi lacquer and gold, 2025] https://www.kin-kuro.com/about-me daily 0.75 2026-05-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69acb4b5e2c67b15615db9dc/9097151d-5bfa-47bf-be20-81070b86424e/IMG_6581.jpeg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69acb4b5e2c67b15615db9dc/0e3218da-55ac-44da-b5f9-e2e39d389e27/1+%281%29.jpeg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69acb4b5e2c67b15615db9dc/5d8a0d01-d927-4c5f-8ee3-4ae1634d5dc0/1+%282%29.jpeg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69acb4b5e2c67b15615db9dc/a726050f-078f-4050-9e1f-8e3093aaa90b/1.jpeg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69acb4b5e2c67b15615db9dc/f85cf85f-43d4-4ef9-81b5-84544a97ad9d/Daibutsu.jpeg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69acb4b5e2c67b15615db9dc/7b15075e-a813-4322-81d3-69d8ddf176a9/1.jpeg https://www.kin-kuro.com/repair-process daily 0.75 2026-05-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69acb4b5e2c67b15615db9dc/fb73a95d-9a32-4d63-aa91-714fc65372a9/Untitled+presentation+%284%29.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69acb4b5e2c67b15615db9dc/1ea67e7a-21ad-4d6b-9732-14834cbe41b1/Untitled+presentation+%285%29.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69acb4b5e2c67b15615db9dc/6a8cd90e-790c-4585-9e56-480ae6e7a44c/Untitled+presentation+%286%29.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69acb4b5e2c67b15615db9dc/c9f51d97-268d-4afc-bfa6-b7372a5bdbb6/Untitled+presentation+%287%29.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69acb4b5e2c67b15615db9dc/8fc237e1-bad3-4d7a-99fc-10607c98e0bc/Untitled+presentation+%2815%29.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69acb4b5e2c67b15615db9dc/7e8f2ead-4053-4544-8b31-6770112e3eb5/Untitled+presentation+%2817%29.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69acb4b5e2c67b15615db9dc/f8d19835-48fa-4ee5-b236-f6bdd58c15b4/Untitled+presentation+%2816%29.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69acb4b5e2c67b15615db9dc/440430d4-7187-4a02-9d11-6706e3728e77/Untitled+presentation+%2819%29.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69acb4b5e2c67b15615db9dc/56a889cb-0525-4274-a69b-4aa8e0f5d9dc/Untitled+presentation+%2820%29.png