Kintsugi Repair Costs & How to Choose an Artisan | Complete Guide

How Much Does Kintsugi Repair Cost?

Professional kintsugi repair in Japan typically costs between ¥3,000 and ¥30,000, depending on the complexity of the break, the size of the piece, and the artisan's experience level.

Price Breakdown

• Simple chip repair — ¥3,000–¥5,000
• Single clean break — ¥5,000–¥10,000
• Multiple breaks (3–5 pieces) — ¥10,000–¥20,000
• Complex restoration (many fragments) — ¥20,000–¥30,000+
• Missing pieces (requires filling) — Additional ¥3,000–¥10,000

5 Tips for Choosing an Artisan

1. Check Their Portfolio

Ask to see photos of previous repairs. Quality kintsugi has clean, consistent gold lines — not blobs or uneven coverage.

2. Ask About Materials

Real urushi + real gold is the gold standard. Some artisans use synthetic lacquer or brass powder — fine for display, but not traditional.

3. Confirm Food Safety

If you'll eat from the repaired piece, ensure the artisan uses food-safe urushi and proper gold (not lead-containing alternatives).

4. Understand the Timeline

Traditional kintsugi takes 1–3 months due to multiple lacquer layers and curing time. Rush jobs compromise quality.

5. Get a Written Estimate

Before sending your piece, get a detailed quote. Some artisans charge extra for shipping, gold upgrade, or expedited service.

The Process

1. Contact the artisan and send photos of the break
2. Receive a quote and timeline estimate
3. Ship the piece (carefully packaged!)
4. Artisan repairs over several weeks
5. Receive the restored piece back

Aftercare

Kintsugi repairs are durable but not indestructible. Hand wash gently, avoid soaking in hot water for extended periods, and don't scrub the gold lines with abrasive sponges.