Blue has long been considered taboo for use in food products, but is that really true? In fact, blue is a color that has a high affinity with food. To convey this message, we've introduced the "Sou Series" to KyutarouBLUE, our blue × wooden tableware collection.
Compared to the KyutarouBLUE Standard Series, the Sou Series features brighter color tones.
Which color do you prefer? We have both the deep blue "Standard Series" and the light blue Sou Series available.
We think using a mix of both colors together would also be lovely. (Please note that due to the season of production and the wood base used, neither series achieves a perfectly uniform color, so there may be more color variation than shown in the images, or conversely, less variation in some cases.)
KyutarouBLUE Sou brings a remarkable presence to your dining table, delivering fresh style and excitement!
Kawada district in Sabae City, Fukui Prefecture.
Surrounded by mountains, Kawada district has been the production center of Echizen lacquerware for approximately 1,500 years. KyutarouBlue tableware is crafted here.
When freshly applied, the finish is glossy, but as it dries, it transforms into a matte, smooth surface. The gradation created by the translucent coating that reveals the wood grain resembles waves.
The blue areas are finished with a semi-transparent coating, creating a gradation of the wood grain. Even with the same product, each piece develops its own unique shade of blue depending on the wood's color at the time and the seasonal finishing conditions.
Each item has its own distinct character, making it a one-of-a-kind piece that belongs only to you. Compared to the conventional series, the Sou Series has a brighter color tone, allowing the wood grain to be more clearly visible.
Blue has been considered taboo for tableware, but we began to think that blue might actually be a color with deep connections to dining ware, which led to the creation of the KyutarouBLUE series.
Thanks to the excellent reception it received, we are delighted to introduce this new "Sou" Series.
With the addition of plates featuring blue surfaces, the range of uses has greatly expanded. We invite you to discover a whole new kind of dining experience that has never existed before.
KyutarouBlue is a new line of tableware that inherits the tradition and techniques of Echizen lacquerware while adapting to modern lifestyles. And now, KyutarouBlue "Sou."
We hope you'll enjoy exploring new plating presentations and table coordination possibilities.
Each ingredient comes alive and asserts its presence against the blue backdrop.
The double-sided round plate beautifully showcases sweets and fruits.
Also recommended as a companion for outdoor dining!
Why not pair it casually with Japanese-style rooms and Japanese cuisine?
It also complements Japanese pottery beautifully.
It also creates an adorable presentation when serving pasta.
A companion for various Japanese and Western meals.
KyutarouBLUE Sou brings vibrant color to your table.
This natural wood base doesn't get hot even when you hold it like this. Wooden vessels excel at heat retention. A subtle wood fragrance gently drifts from them.
Thanks to their insulating properties, they can be used in various ways depending on the season.
In winter, they're perfect for hot soups and beverages, while in summer, they're ideal for cold desserts. They maintain the internal temperature for extended periods.
Being a material resistant to both heat and cold, you can use them confidently year-round.
The surface finish has a matte texture with a smooth, silky feel. The wood base is made entirely of natural wood, making it lightweight with a warm, comforting touch. To keep prices more affordable, we use wood sourced from overseas. (natural cedar, beech, jujube, etc.)
One advantage of wooden tableware is that it's resistant to breaking even when dropped.
We can confidently recommend these dishes for young children as well.
They're durable, so there's minimal color degradation even with long-term use. While microwaves and dishwashers cannot be used with wooden products, care is simple. You can wash them with neutral detergent just like any other dishes, so no special effort is required.
The wood grain areas are also coated with a transparent urethane coating, so water won't soak through. However, to ensure longevity, please avoid soaking in water for extended periods, and either air-dry or wipe dry with a soft cloth.
The packaging is shared with the KyutarouBlue Standard Series.
How about giving these as gifts or presents? Since they're wooden tableware that's resistant to breaking, they also make excellent wedding gifts as "Something Blue." Something Blue is... one of the traditional "Something Four" good luck charms for weddings. It's a European tradition meant to bring happiness to the bride.
They're also perfect for celebrating the 5th wedding anniversary, known as the "Wood Anniversary."This anniversary symbolizes how a couple becomes a family and establishes a household with roots like a tree. It's a wedding anniversary traditionally celebrated by giving gifts related to wood.
Please note that some of the images featured on this page include items from the previously released "KyutarouBLUE Standard Series."
Our shop, "Shikki Kyutarou," is located in Kawada-cho, Sabae City, Fukui Prefecture—the production center of Echizen lacquerware with approximately 1,500 years of history.
We have been operating here as Soumei Shikkiten (Soumei Lacquerware Shop) since 1923.
"Shikki Kyutarou" takes its name from our founder, Kyutarou Soumei, which we chose for our web shop.
We also incorporated the founder's name into KyutarouBlue.
Our shop typically handles everything from traditional Echizen lacquerware to casual items.
We want to connect authentic lacquerware with introductory products and help people joyfully discover our traditions. We believe our role is to bridge the old and the new, and we will continue our craft with this mission in mind.
●Things to Note Before Purchase
※Regarding dents and wood grain variations The production of the "KyutarouBLUE" series begins with inspecting the unfinished wood bases that arrive in their natural state. During this inspection, we remove pieces with significant dents or wood grain that isn't particularly attractive. After this inspection process, approximately half of the wood bases are set aside, and the remaining half are coated for "KyutarouBLUE."
If we made our inspection standards any stricter, we would not be able to offer these at the current price. We hope you'll embrace minor dents and color variations as the unique personality of each piece and enjoy "KyutarouBLUE" and wooden vessels casually.
※Regarding variations in the BLUE coating intensity and evenness Because the "KyutarouBLUE" series applies semi-transparent coating to wood, each piece finishes with a different expression of BLUE color and wood grain. This is proof of natural wood. Each has its own character, and no two pieces are exactly alike. We hope you'll enjoy your one-of-a-kind "KyutarouBLUE."
【KyutarouBLUE Standard Series Introduction】
Allow us to introduce the "Standard Series" once again. It features a deeper color tone than the Sou Series, and looks beautiful when used alongside the Sou Series.
Please take a look at this collection as well.
