Kintsugi 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.

Kintsugi Repair

Restore your ceramics using either

  • Traditional Kintsugi — food-safe, using natural urushi lacquer

  • Modern Kintsugi — non-food-safe, using alternative materials for a decorative finish

based on your preference and needs.

We offer repairs with gold, silver, brass, tin and Urushi lacuqer as finish ensuring a restoration that suits your aesthetic and needs.

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

  • 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.


  • Food Safe Repair

    A time-based repair for continued use

    • Repaired using traditional urushi (Japanese lacquer)

    • Finished with pure gold, silver, black/red/blue urushi finish (no metal powder.)

    • We can offer brass/tin finish for a reasonable option. Recommended for decorative or display use. Use as tableware at your own discretion.

    • Hand wash only. No microwave. No dishwasher. No direct heat.

    Best for:
    Objects that return to daily life, held, used, and cared for

    Estimated Pricing (Urushi, Brass, Tin / Silver / 24K Gold finish)

    • Small chip: $150 – $165 / $160 - $190 / $180 - $210

    • Hairline crack: $160 - $190 / $170 - $250 / $200 – $280

    • Multiple breaks: $180 - $250+ / $190 - $300+ / $250 – $500+

    ‍ ‍ *Pricing varies based on size and complexity. Quote provided after photo or in-person review.

    Turnaround time:
    Approximately 2–4 months
    (due to multiple layers and curing process)


  • Decorative Repair (Non-Food Safe)

    Aesthetic restoration for display and light use

    • Finished with brass, tin, copper, or alternative metal powder

    • Using synthetic material

    • Not suitable for food or liquid contact

    Best for:
    Objects for display, memory, or visual appreciation

    Estimated Pricing

    • Small chip: $80 – $120

    • Hairline crack: $100 – $150

    • Multiple breaks: $150 – $250+

    Turnaround time:
    Approximately 3–6 weeks

    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.
      The 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 3 - 4 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.

Workshop / Class

Want to experience kintsugi firsthand?
Join our workshops and learn the philosophy of repairing with kintsugi.

If you need a personal workshop for an organization, company, or yourself, feel free to reach out.

We offer two different types of kintsugi workshops, each with a distinct purpose and process.


  • This is a one-time, hands-on experience focused on the act of repair itself.

    Small group sessions held on selected dates.

    ‍Participants use quick-setting adhesive and modern substitute lacquer to create golden repair lines and experience the visual and tactile process of kintsugi.

    The finished piece is not food-safe and is intended as an experiential and decorative outcome.
    ‍ ‍
    ‍ - Single session (2 hours)
    ‍ ‍ - $95/person all material included


    Join the waitlist to be notified when new sessions open


  • This is a one-time, hands-on experience focused on the act of repair itself.

    A more personalized session with flexible scheduling.

    ‍Participants use quick-setting adhesive and modern substitute lacquer to create golden repair lines and experience the visual and tactile process of kintsugi.

    The finished piece is not food-safe and is intended as an experiential and decorative outcome.

    Ideal for individuals, friends, or small private groups.
    ‍ ‍
    ‍ - Single session (2 hours)
    ‍ ‍ - $300 for up to 3 people
    ‍ ‍ $85 per person to add more
    ‍ ‍ All material included


  • This course teaches traditional kintsugi using natural urushi lacquer and fully natural materials to achieve food-safe repairs.

    The process requires time, patience, and multiple stages of curing.
    ‍A minimum of four sessions is required.
    ‍ ‍
    ‍ - 2 hours x 4~6 sessions
    ‍ ‍ - $125 per person, per session
    ‍ ‍ All material included

Sayako Hiroi
Japanese artist based in Boston

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.

Due to a high volume of recent inquiries, we are temporarily closed to new commission requests for repair services.

We will reopen in June – July.

Please subscribe to our newsletter to be notified when we begin accepting new commissions.
Thank you for your understanding.

Contact us.

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.