These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern use of the Mingei Archive website at mingeiarchive.com (the “Site”) and any purchases made from Mingei Archive. By using the Site or placing an order, you agree to these Terms.

1. About

The Site is operated by Mingei Archive, a dealer in Japanese folk art and antiques based in the United States.

2. Eligibility and Accounts

By using the Site, you represent that you are at least the age of majority in your jurisdiction. If you create an account, you are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials and for all activity under your account. Please provide accurate and complete information and keep it up to date.

3. Products

Mingei Archive makes every effort to display the colors, condition, and characteristics of its items as accurately as possible. Because these are antique and handmade objects, items will show variation, age, and signs of use consistent with their nature and history; such characteristics are part of the item and are not defects. Mingei Archive does not warrant that product descriptions or other content are complete or error-free.

4. Orders and Acceptance

An order is an offer to purchase. A contract of sale is formed when Mingei Archive sends an order confirmation. Mingei Archive reserves the right to refuse or cancel any order, including where an item is unavailable, where there is an error in pricing or description, or where fraudulent or unauthorized activity is suspected.

5. Pricing and Payment

All prices are listed in U.S. dollars (USD). You agree to pay the total amount for your order, including any applicable taxes and shipping or handling charges. For certain items, shipping is quoted separately and is subject to your approval before the order is processed.

6. Shipping, Returns, and Refunds

Shipping is governed by the Shipping Policy below, and returns and refunds are governed by the Returns & Refunds policy below, each of which is incorporated into these Terms by reference.

7. Intellectual Property

All content on the Site, including images, text, and logos, is owned by or licensed to Mingei Archive and is protected by applicable intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works from any content without prior written permission.

8. Prohibited Conduct

You agree not to use the Site for any unlawful purpose, to interfere with its operation, to infringe the rights of others, or to submit false or fraudulent information.

9. Disclaimer of Warranties

Except as expressly stated in these policies or as required by law, the Site and items are provided “as is.” To the fullest extent permitted by law, Mingei Archive disclaims all implied warranties, including merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.

10. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Mingei Archive will not be liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from use of the Site or purchase of items.

11. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of California, United States, without regard to its conflict-of-laws principles. Any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in California.

12. Changes

Mingei Archive may update these Terms from time to time. The version posted on the Site at the time of your use or purchase applies.

Because Mingei Archive deals in museum-quality folk art, ceramics, lacquerware, furniture, baskets, textiles, and antiques, each piece is handled, packed, and shipped with particular care. This policy explains how shipping works for both domestic and international orders.

Order Processing

Orders are typically prepared for shipment within 3–7 business days of purchase. Because many items are fragile, one-of-a-kind, or oversized, some pieces require additional time for custom packing or crating. If a longer lead time is anticipated for an order, Mingei Archive will make contact at the email address provided.

Shipping Rates

Due to the varying size, weight, fragility, and value of the works carried, shipping for many items is quoted on a per-order basis rather than charged at a flat rate. Where shipping is not calculated automatically at checkout, Mingei Archive will provide a shipping quote for approval before processing the order and arranging carriage. High-value and fragile pieces may require specialty packing, crating, or insured freight, which will be reflected in the quote.

Domestic Shipping (United States)

Mingei Archive ships throughout the United States using reputable carriers appropriate to each item. Transit times vary by destination and shipping method. Tracking information will be provided once an order ships.

International Shipping

Mingei Archive ships internationally. For international orders, the buyer is responsible for all duties, import taxes, customs fees, brokerage charges, and any other costs imposed by the destination country, in addition to shipping and handling charges. These charges are not included in the item price or shipping quote and are collected by the carrier or customs authority. Buyers are encouraged to contact their local customs office for an estimate before placing an order, as Mingei Archive cannot predict these amounts.

International shipments may be subject to delays due to customs inspection, and some items may be restricted from import into certain countries. The buyer is responsible for ensuring that purchased items may be lawfully imported into their country.

Insurance and Damage in Transit

Mingei Archive packs each item securely and insures shipments where appropriate. If an order arrives damaged, please retain all original packaging and make contact at aubrey@mingeiarchive.com within 7 days of delivery, including the order number and photographs of the damage, so that a claim can be assisted.

Title and Risk of Loss

Title and risk of loss for items pass to the buyer upon delivery of the items to the carrier.

Mingei Archive wants every buyer to be confident in their purchase. The following policy applies to returns and refunds.

Return Window

A return may be requested within 30 days of delivery. To be eligible, the item must be unused and returned in its original condition, including any tags, accessories, documentation, and original packaging.

How to Start a Return

To initiate a return, please make contact at aubrey@mingeiarchive.com with the order number and the item(s) to be returned. Return instructions will then be provided. Please do not send items back before making contact.

Return Shipping

The buyer is responsible for return shipping costs. A trackable, insured shipping method is strongly recommended, as Mingei Archive cannot be responsible for items damaged or lost in return transit. Because many items are fragile and valuable, returned items must be packed with the same care taken in their original shipment.

Refunds

Once a returned item is received and inspected, Mingei Archive will notify the buyer of the approval or rejection of the refund. If approved, the refund will be issued to the original payment method. Original shipping charges, and any duties or taxes paid, are non-refundable.

Damaged, Defective, or Misdescribed Items

If an item arrives damaged or is materially not as described, please make contact within 7 days of delivery with photographs and the order number. Mingei Archive will work to resolve the issue, which may include a replacement (where available) or a refund.

Non-Returnable Items

Certain items may be designated as final sale at the time of purchase; this will be noted on the product listing. Such items are not eligible for return except where required by law.