About KINTEI Sense
... or the quintessence of craftmanshipKINTEI Sense Gallery was born out of a fascination with Japanese craftsmanship and a strong desire to make the very essence of this art form accessible in Europe.
The Japanese meaning of “Kintei” (謹呈) forms the foundation of this venture: to present the philosophy of Japanese craftsmanship and its creations in a simple and respectful way, conveying through the senses the stories and emotions embodied in each piece.
In an age of abundance and mass production, we believe it is essential to offer an alternative. Guided by the principle that less is more, we present a smaller but more thoughtfully curated selection of objects.
Each object is crafted by hand from natural materials, using a time-honored yet innovative savoir-faire passed down through generations.
Each creation is intended to convey the very quintessence of its making.
Each object in our gallery tells its own story and is unique in its aesthetic.
Each individual piece is meant to bring both joy and a sense of contemplation.
Craftsmanship in Japan brings together the creative and conceptual aspects of art with functionality and design. Encounters with artists and artisans always leave a lasting impression and convey an unexpected energy—one that can also be felt through their creations.
Let yourself be inspired as well!
Who is behind KINTEI Sense?
I am Caroline Hayashi.
Born in France, raised in Vienna, professionally shaped in Japan, and married to a Canadian of Japanese descent, my life has been something of a melting pot—one that has been profoundly influenced by Japan. Today, we live with our two children in Munich.
Where does this fascination with ceramics come from? After ten years in Japan, deeply immersed in Japanese culture and way of life, my passion for art evolved into a fascination with craftsmanship. My appreciation for savoir-faire and for artistic and technical heritage was further deepened through my professional experience in the marketing departments of two major luxury companies, LVMH and Cartier.
In Japan, Tomokiyo Kunio from Isegahama Toubou introduced me to the true depth of Japanese ceramics. Later, in Tokyo, I had the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of pottery from a Bizen ceramic artist.
This fascination with Japanese ceramics inspired me to create this gallery as a way to share my passion and the small but ever-growing knowledge I have gained and continue to develop.
