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/1789429091440-6OMRYQZ5WH5HKGNY7ZI9/White%2BBowl_1-10.jpg Gallery I bought this mug from JaMpdx here in Portland years ago, and I’ve always loved the way they apply the decorations onto their pieces, almost like frosting. When it developed a small chip, I was excited to try a new kintsugi technique using maru-fun gold. I’m really pleased with how the tiny repair turned out—it feels delicate, but still has a lovely little flash of gold. [Traditional kintsugi repair using urushi lacquer and maru-fun gold, 2026] 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. I fell for this one immediately—the textured scales, little open mouth, and warm earthy glaze give it so much personality. Because its owners use it as an entryway dish, we chose a bronze finish that nearly disappears into the glaze until it catches the light. [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 was purchased during its owners’ honeymoon in Thailand 30 years ago. The damage was relatively small, and from the front the repair is barely visible. What I love is that it reveals itself through touch instead: when you hold the platter, your fingers pass over the gold repair on the back like a small surprise. [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 Korean-made mug belongs to a friend of mine, and I love its soft, watercolor-like decoration and tiny blue speckles. We chose a deep blue urushi finish that picks up those details beautifully. Colored urushi is a favorite of mine, and I was especially happy to use it here so this mug can finally be enjoyed after breaking before its first use. [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 first pieces its owner made after beginning pottery classes. Though the handle is slightly misshapen, she told me it fits her hand perfectly—which is part of why she loves it. After carefully removing a couple of previous repairs, I restored it with traditional kintsugi so she can take it with her when she moves abroad. [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 The owner of this cup was introduced to the artist by a friend of his, who unfortunately has passed. I loved its bold black-and-white pattern and rough, textured surface, and intentionally left a little texture beneath the gold so the repair would feel at home against the rest of the piece. Sometimes an object just feels made for kintsugi, and this was one of those. [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 bowl was hand-painted by the owner’s mother with all of her daughter’s favorite childhood foods. Her husband brought it to me after it developed two small chips so she could continue using it. We repaired the damaged areas while leaving some smaller imperfections along the rim—a reminder that meaningful objects don’t need to be rare or precious to deserve care. [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 at my studio thanks to an incredibly caring friend, who collected every piece after it was accidentally dropped and arranged to have it repaired as a surprise. The curved shape made alignment a little tricky, but I love that its new gold lines preserve not only the story of the break, but also the story of the friendship behind the repair. [Traditional kintsugi repair using urushi lacquer and gold, 2026] 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 came to me after an accidental drop broke the lid. I especially love its relief-carved mountains, which against the soft green clay remind me a little of Forest Park here in Portland. The gold adds just enough brightness while allowing the original craftsmanship to stay at the center. [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. 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