Kintsugi Repair in Boston

Embrace Imperfection, Discover Beauty of Kintsugi

If you're looking for professional Kintsugi repair services in the Greater Boston area, we are here to help you restore and rejuvenate your cherished ceramics.

We utilize the traditional Japanese kintsugi technique, guided by the expertise of a skilled Japanese artist based right here in Boston.

Let us breathe new life into your loved pieces with this beautiful and meaningful art form.

White ceramic sake cup with gold kintsugi repair.

What is Kintsugi?

Kintsugi (金継ぎ) is the traditional Japanese art of repairing broken ceramics with lacquer and gold, emphasizing the beauty of imperfection.

Rather than discarding broken pieces, kintsugi transforms them into something even more precious.

Rooted in the philosophy of wabi-sabi—embracing imperfection and transience—this practice is more than just a repair technique; it is a form of artistic and spiritual renewal.

Sayako Hiroi
Japanese artist based in Boston

Sayako Hiroi, Japanese artist and kintsugi practitioner based in Boston, USA.

I bring the centuries-old tradition of kintsugi to Boston, carefully reparing broken ceramics with authentic Japanese techniques.
My approach follows traditional methods, using natural urushi lacquer and genuine gold, ensuring that each restored piece remains true to the original spirit of kintsugi.

Based in Greater Boston, I specialize in kintsugi repair using the Japanese philosophy and beauty after studying at SMFA at Tufts for Master of Fine Arts.

As a Japanese artist deeply connected to this practice, I honor the cultural heritage while incorporating modern sensibilities, making kintsugi a meaningful experience for those who appreciate craftsmanship, sustainability, and artistry.

Learn about our services

  • Traditional or Modern Techniques

    Restore your ceramics using either a Traditional kintsugi (using natural urushi lacquer and metal powder, food-safe finish) or a Modern kintsugi (using artificial material, non-foodsafe) based on your preference and needs. We offer repairs with gold, silver, brass, tin, or lacquer finishes, ensuring a restoration that suits your aesthetic and needs.

    Here is the price list.

    For an accurate estimate, please reach out. Assessing your piece in person allows for the most precise evaluation.


    Items We Accept for Repair

    • Size: Items must be within 30 cm (height) × 30 cm (width) × 50 cm (depth). If your item exceeds these dimensions, please contact us for consultation.

    • Material: Ceramics, porcelain (we do not accept glasses for now).

    • Chips: We accept damages within 5 cm × 5 cm. If the damage exceeds this size, please consult us.

    Important Notes

    • If your item is extremely thin or has many broken fragments, please contact us for consultation.

    • Please note that the finish may wear off over time.

    • Traditional method repair is food-safe finish, but not microwave/dishwasher safe.

    • Modern method repair is non food-safe.

    • For ceramics and porcelain with crazing (fine cracks in the glaze), urushi lacquer may seep into the cracks.

    • For unglazed or matte-finished ceramics, metal powders may settle into tiny pores and become difficult to remove.

    • Items that are exposed to high heat for long periods (such as earthenware pots) or those that remain in constant contact with water (such as vases and planters) can be repaired in form but will no longer be suitable for use. Please enjoy them as decorative pieces.

    • If your item has been previously glued together with adhesive, please remove the adhesive before bringing it in.

  • Want to experience kintsugi firsthand? Join our workshops and learn the philosophy of repairing with gold. Whether you’re a beginner or a craft enthusiast, our sessions provide a meditative and creative experience.

    Normally, I hold workshops at KO-KYOTO in Somerville, MA, offering different levels including experience, beginner, and advanced classes. If you need a personal workshop for an organization, company, or yourself, feel free to reach out.

Price Example (It will change based on each pirce)

Repair Process

Table setup for kintsugi traditional repair.

  1. Inquiry & Estimate
    Please send details and photos of your broken piece through our contact form or email. Include several photos of the whole piece, showing the inside, outside, and any cracks. This will help us give a more accurate estimate.

  2. Final Estimate & Deposit

    If you accept the estimate, we will evaluate your piece when we receive it and email you the final repair cost and payment form. A 40% deposit is required through links in the email before we begin the repair. If you decide not to go ahead, we will return your item. The customer is responsible for return shipping fees.

  3. Repair Process

    After payment is confirmed, we will start the repair. This will take about 2–3 months, depending on the damage.

  4. Completion & Return

    Your repaired item will be sent back to you or can be picked up in Boston.
    You are responsible for round-trip shipping costs. Depending on demand, there may be a delay in accepting new items.

the process and working for kintsugi traditional repair
Blue ceramic plate with kintsugi repair visible through gold lines on a black background
White ceramic bowl with gold kintsugi repair on black background
Octagonal plate repaired with kintsugi technique, featuring gold seams, on a dark background.
Close-up of a ceramic plate with blue geometric design and crack repaired by kintsugi repair in Boston
Close-up of a textured, speckled ceramic surface with light lines, possibly repaired using kintsugi technique, against a dark background.
Close-up of the inside of a ceramic bowl with a crack and a string repair using the Japanese kintsugi technique.
Close-up image of a white ceramic cup with crack repaired with kintsugi traditional techniques with brass.
Close-up of a ceramic plate with a slight chip repaired by brass with kintsugi techniques.

Contact us.

Interested in kintsugi repair or workshops?
I can work for you. Let’s connect!

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View fullsize Handmade mug repaired with kintsugi traditional method. It had so many small pieces before the repair, but I tried to use the original pieces as much as possible instead of just filling up the chips. #kintsugi #kintsugiart #kintsugirepair #japanes
View fullsize Tin finish. Though I sealed the edge of break beforehand I could not avoid urushi from seeping into it and making a stain mark on this bowl. Need to learn more. #kintsugi #kintsugiart #kintsugirepair #japanesepottery #wabisabi #lazienkamarzen #ja
View fullsize Repair a crack in a mug by traditional kintsugi. #kintsugi #kintsugiart #kintsugirepair
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