Looking for a special gift but finding Kintsugi too expensive?

13 Oktober 2024

What gift will truly surprise and touch someone in a way others haven't thought of?

You're here because you want to find a Kintsugi piece for someone special, imagining them enjoying tea or coffee in a cup that carries meaning.

But then, you discovered just how expensive Kintsugi can be—right? You want to give a gift that leaves a lasting impression, but your budget isn’t unlimited. In a time of mass production and consumption, is it even possible to find something both affordable and special?

What if I told you that there’s an art form older than Kintsugi—one that even inspired it? It’s called urushi (Japanese lacquerware).

Urushi has a history stretching back 9,000 years, with maki-e (decorative lacquer) emerging in the 8th century. By the 15th century, the techniques of maki-e were adapted to create Kintsugi. Essentially, Kintsugi is a branch of urushi artistry.

▲ Maki-e

Both urushi and Kintsugi share a technique of applying lacquer and embellishing it with gold or silver. However, while Kintsugi repairs broken ceramics by bonding them with lacquer and decorating the cracks with gold, urushi is crafted from wood shaped and lacquered into beautiful forms. Because Kintsugi requires a broken vessel and months of intricate work, it is often very expensive.

▲ Kintsugi

On the other hand, urushi—though equally handcrafted over many months—offers more freedom in design and a lower cost. This makes it the perfect handmade piece that’s luxurious yet more affordable than Kintsugi.

With its longer history and roots in the same tradition, urushi makes the perfect gift for someone special. Imagine them enjoying warm soup, coffee, or tea during the colder months—and appreciating you for choosing such a thoughtful, meaningful gift.

This particular "Yobitsugi Cup" is a collaboration between Tsugu Tsugu and artisans from Aizuwakamatsu of Fukushima Prefecture in Japan, making it an exclusive, limited-edition product you won't find anywhere else. With only a small number available, there's no chance your gift will be the same as anyone else's. If you’ve been giving similar presents year after year, this is your chance to surprise and impress with a gift that shows true taste and thoughtfulness.

Not only is it luxurious and affordable, but this urushi teacup will become a winter essential. There’s more to love: it’s made entirely from natural materials—Japanese wood and lacquer, with gold and silver embellishments—giving it a warmth and richness plastic could never offer. Plus, lacquer has natural antibacterial and antiviral properties.

Lacquerware is rare outside of Asia, as genuine lacquer can only be sourced from Japan and China, making this a truly unique gift.

The design itself is special too. The cup features a "Yobitsugi" motif, inspired by the art of combining different pieces to create harmony and beauty, reflecting Japan’s cultural value of balance and coexistence. Just like in human relationships, where different elements come together to create something stronger and more meaningful, Yobitsugi celebrates the beauty in unity.

In addition, the cup’s triangular section is adorned with a traditional Japanese pattern, Seigaiha. This wave-like design symbolizes calm, eternal happiness, and prosperity. Its endless waves represent the wish for long-lasting peace and success, making it a perfect symbol to give as a gift.

By gifting this cup, you're not only sharing a piece of Japanese craftsmanship, but also a meaningful story that will deeply move and impress your recipient. Moreover, buying this product supports the endangered art of urushi, helping keep this craft alive by supporting the dwindling number of artisans.

This is a limited-edition collaboration between Tsugu Tsugu and these talented artisans—only 50 sets were made, with no plans for additional production. Some have already been sold, so don't wait too long to order yours.

To help you discover the beauty of urushi, we’re offering this special product at a price lower than a Traditional Tsugu Kit—even for a set of two cups.

Tsugu Tsugu has gained media attention for its Kintsugi, and now we want to share the beauty of urushi with more people. That’s why we partnered with local artisans to bring you this exclusive, handcrafted piece.

Why not surprise someone this winter with a luxurious yet affordable piece of traditional Japanese craftsmanship?