Goenne now features Real KINTSUGI work by Japan artisan Yoichi Koga.   Embrace true Wabi-Sabi.  It makes a great collectible, one-of-a-kind gift for your special occasion. 
 
STORY OF THE PIECE

Featuring here is a porcelain cup call CHOKO in Japan, made to hold dipping soy sauce for soba noodles.  Japanese naturally recognize this vessel shape for such.  Choko cup size from Edo period is smaller than modern day choko.  It is the size of a gelato cup, fruit cup or espresso cup in our times. 
 
This choko is estimated from late Edo-period (mid 1800s) made in Arita region, named "Ko-imari yaki" (Old Imari ware). Edo-period is a time where porcelain was first discovered in the area and when artisans started evolving and mastering skills in throwing, painting and firing porcelain.   "YABANE" (Arrow Feathers) is a common pattern for koimari choko cup in Edo period.   It has the meaning of moving forward and success, liked by warriors and samurais. 
  
The motif inside the cup is call "Kao", this is how artisan used to identify and sign their work in Arita region. The kintsugi is applied to fix a small chip at the edge.  
Speaking of imperfection, note that this cup is not perfectly round.  
 
The "imperfect" oval shape is most likely due to warping when firing or by the artisan during the process of making the cup.  It is its original state.   
 
WHY A KINTSUGI GALLERY?
 
A lot of kintsugi pieces in the market use make-shift and artificial material.   We feel that authenticity, information about the work and the maker are all important for buyers who really appreciate this rare craft.  We want to give our audience access to quality and authentic pieces.    In Japan, we work with a network of Japanese artisans that practice kintsugi in its authentic and traditional method.  No epoxy, super glue, fake gold or artificial gold paint.  Authentic kintsugi process is very tedious and we take no short-cut. Japan's artisan takes pride in maintaining traditional material knowledge and techniques.   
 
OUR COMMITMENT
To show our respect to this rare craft and wabisabi, we only showcase works repaired with authentic method done in Japan. 
we do not break new pottery and repair it to create inventory.  Each piece comes with history and story.
we do not forge imperfection. All blemishes, imperfection you see is of the vessel's original state from the maker or from aging. 
 
Peer through fancy packaging and romanticized philosophy about Kinstugi.  Be educated from the resource represented by Japan artisans to truly appreciate this craft.
 
THE ARTISAN
 
Yoichi Koga is a multi-faceted artist with over a decade of experience in kintsugi and lacquer art.  He does commission kintsugi work for sushi restaurants to repair their expensive antique serving plates.  Mr. Koga is extremely passionate about collecting interesting antique ceramics.  In Japan, most artisan accepts kintsugi commission to help owners to repair memorable ceramics, Mr. Koga finds pleasure in kintsugi because of the pottery's history.  When we discuss about doing a kintsugi gallery here, he had a hard time parting with some of his work that he collected over the years! :-)
 
** The identification of pottery is an estimation based on style, characteristics, stamps or signature, and coloration/discoloration. We do not provide appraisal or authentication of origin.  Authenticity described above is on kintsugi repair work, all done by Mr. Koga.  
 
*** We do not offer exchange or refund on Kintsugi items. 
 
SHIPS FROM JAPAN
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