450,00 €
This bowl was found at a market in Kyoto. The seller believed it to be Edo period, but the glaze — a deep sea-green celadon — suggests Song dynasty manufacture, possibly brought to Japan during the Muromachi period.
It arrived broken into three pieces, wrapped in newspaper. The largest break is a clean diagonal from the rim to the foot, as if the bowl had been dropped on its side onto a stone floor.
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Urushi lacquer hardens with time and is remarkably durable. This bowl can be used for tea — it holds water without leaking. Hand wash only with mild soap and cool water. Do not submerge or place in a dishwasher.
The gold seams will not tarnish or wear in normal use. Over years, the urushi darkens slightly and develops a deeper lustre — the piece continues to change.
Store in the paulownia box when not in use, away from direct sunlight.
Urushi Lacquer Urushi is a natural lacquer harvested from the Toxicodendron vernicifluum tree, used in Japanese craft for over 9,000 years. It cures through a process of oxidation and polymerisation in controlled humidity, forming one of the hardest and most durable natural finishes known. Each coat is applied by hand and cured before the next — a single repair may involve seven or more layers built up over several weeks.
Epoxy Resin A two-part synthetic adhesive used as a modern alternative to urushi. Epoxy bonds are strong and cure quickly, making them practical for repairs where extended curing time is not possible. It does not carry the same food-safe properties as urushi and is more sensitive to heat and UV exposure over time. Pieces repaired with epoxy are finished to the same visual standard but are intended for decorative use only.
24-Karat Gold Powder Pure gold in powdered form, dusted onto the lacquer seam while still tacky and polished after curing. Gold does not tarnish or oxidise, and the seams will retain their colour and lustre indefinitely under normal use. The warmth and tone of the gold may deepen slightly as the underlying urushi darkens with age.
Brass Powder A gold-tone alternative to pure gold, used to achieve a similar visual effect at a lower cost. Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc and may develop a subtle patina over time with exposure to air and moisture. This can be left as a natural finish or gently maintained with a soft dry cloth.
Copper Powder Applied in the same way as gold, copper gives a warmer, deeper tone to the seams. Copper oxidises gradually and will develop a reddish-brown patina over time, which many consider a natural and desirable quality of the material.
Silver Powder Fine silver-tone powder used for a cooler, more restrained finish. Like brass and copper, it may develop a slight patina with age. Avoid abrasive polishing — a soft dry cloth is sufficient for maintenance.
Ceramic & Porcelain The pieces themselves are sourced from Japan, Korea, and Europe, spanning periods from the 17th century to the present day. Each piece arrived broken and is repaired as found — no alterations are made to the original ceramic beyond the repair itself.
Washing Hand wash only with mild soap and cool water. Do not submerge or soak. Rinse gently and dry immediately with a soft cloth. Pieces repaired with epoxy are more sensitive to prolonged water exposure than urushi — keep washing brief.
Handling The seams are durable but not indestructible. Avoid dropping or knocking the piece against hard surfaces along the repaired lines. Epoxy bonds are strong but can be more brittle than urushi under sharp impact.
Heat & Chemicals Do not place in a dishwasher, microwave, or oven. Avoid contact with harsh cleaning chemicals, bleach, or alcohol-based products. Epoxy is particularly vulnerable to heat — avoid leaving the piece in direct sunlight or near heat sources for extended periods, as this can weaken the bond over time.
Storage Store in a paulownia box or wrap in soft cloth when not in use. Keep away from direct sunlight and humidity extremes, which can cause urushi to yellow or epoxy to degrade over time.
Ageing Urushi lacquer darkens and deepens with age — this is natural and considered part of the piece’s character. Epoxy-repaired pieces may show slight yellowing at the seams over years of UV exposure.
Gold & Metal Powder Pieces finished with 24-karat gold powder will not tarnish under normal use. Pieces finished with brass, copper, or silver-tone powder may develop a patina over time — this can be left as a natural finish or gently polished with a soft dry cloth. Avoid abrasive cloths or metal polishes.
Food & Drink Safety Fully cured urushi lacquer is food safe and suitable for tea, food, and drink. Epoxy-repaired pieces are decorative only and not food safe — do not use for serving or consuming food or drink. If you are unsure which method was used in your piece, please contact us.