Blue tableware made of wood - quite unusual, isn't it?Let me introduce you to "KyutarouBlue," our original series of blue wooden tableware by Shikki Kyutarou.
Blue has traditionally been considered taboo for food presentation, but is that really the case? Haven't dark blue and blue colors been familiar in pottery and ceramics since ancient times?
The truth is, blue is actually a color with strong affinity to food. It pairs beautifully with Japanese cuisine and dining tables.
This unprecedented combination of wood and blue brings fresh style
and excitement to your dining table.
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.
KyutarouBlue was born from the craftsman's passion and attention to detail.
One casual comment from someone struck a chord with me: "When lacquer or paint covers everything, ordinary people can't tell whether the material is wood or plastic."
This made me think - isn't there a way to convey both "the appeal of wood" and "the beauty of lacquerware" more clearly and simultaneously?
At the same time, I had a vision to create blue tableware. Why is blue considered taboo for dishes? I was confident it would make beautiful tableware.
In the Echizen lacquerware production area, there exists a technique for commercial lacquerware that has evolved from traditional craftsmanship. Using this technique and coating materials, I was able to achieve my signature blue color and apply a semi-transparent finish that showcases the wood grain.
And thus, "KyutarouBlue" was born.
The specialized tableware coating developed through commercial lacquerware techniques is a safe and reliable paint that meets food sanitation standards. It's a durable "urethane coating for tableware" that experiences minimal deterioration over time and is easy to care for and handle. Craftsmen apply this coating one by one to natural wooden vessels using a spray technique.
The delicate color tones are only achievable by Echizen artisans. This signature blue was born from repeated trial and error with these craftsmen.
When freshly applied, the surface is glossy, but once dried, it becomes a matte, smooth finish.
This gradient created by the coating that reveals the wood grain is like waves.
The deep blue edging sharpens and defines the overall appearance.
The blue portions are finished with a semi-transparent coating, creating a gradient effect through the wood grain.
Even with the same product, the quality of blue varies—from cobalt blue to sky blue—depending on the natural color of the wood at that time, resulting in rich individual character.
Each piece has its own unique appearance, becoming a one-of-a-kind item that's truly yours alone.
This natural wood base feels silky smooth to the touch.
Even when you hold it like this, it doesn't feel hot.
Wooden vessels excel at insulation and heat retention.
You can also catch a subtle hint of wood's natural fragrance.
To keep prices more affordable, we use imported wood materials.
(natural cedar, beech, jujube, etc.)
One of the advantages of wooden tableware is that it's resistant to breaking even if dropped. These are dishes we can confidently recommend for young children as well.
The defining feature of KyutarouBlue is, without a doubt, this blue color. While blue is often said to be taboo for tableware, I actually thought blue might be a color with deep affinity to dishes—and that's how KyutarouBlue came to be.
What do you think? Don't you find it blends in beautifully?
KyutarouBlue is a new tableware that inherits the tradition and techniques of Echizen lacquerware while adapting to modern lifestyles.
By introducing this unprecedented color in wooden tableware to your dining table, you'll be able to enjoy new styling possibilities.
Create a stylish and delightful dining experience!
It's sure to spark lively conversation when you're entertaining guests!
KyutarouBlue is tableware that works with both Japanese and Western styles. I especially want those who think "this might not suit my home" to give it a try. In Western-style rooms, it creates a wonderfully refreshing atmosphere, just like in the photo.
The uses are endless—how about serving desserts on them? Leave your home café or home buffet presentation to us.
Even store-bought prepared foods look delicious when simply placed on these dishes!
They're also perfect for outdoor use. How about balcony lunches, terrace dining, or outdoor activities?
Vibrant colors like yellow, red, and green match beautifully as well!
They can also be used casually in Japanese-style rooms with Japanese cuisine, just like this.
They pair beautifully with traditional Japanese pottery as well.
Enjoy your morning with soup and sandwiches, use it as a lunch plate at noon, and serve Japanese cuisine in the evening.
It works beautifully throughout the day in various dining situations.
Perfect not only for everyday use, but also recommended for outdoor activities and parties.
How about as a gift or present? Since it's wooden tableware that's resistant to breaking, and it represents "Something Blue," it's also recommended for wedding celebrations.
Something Blue is... one of the four wedding good luck charms. It's a European tradition believed to bring happiness to the bride.
How about for the 5th wedding anniversary, known as the "Wood Anniversary"? It symbolizes a couple taking root like a tree and building their family together, and it's a wedding anniversary celebrated by giving gifts related to wood.
The surface coating has a matte texture with a silky smooth feel. With excellent insulation and heat retention properties, it won't feel hot to hold even when filled with hot beverages.
The base is made entirely of natural wood, making it lightweight with a warm, comforting touch that lets you feel the natural character of wood.
Thanks to its insulating properties, it can be used in various ways depending on the season.
In winter, use it for warm soups and beverages; in summer, enjoy cold desserts. It maintains the internal temperature for longer.
Since the material withstands both hot and cold well, you can use it confidently year-round.
It's durable, so there's minimal color degradation even with long-term use.
As a wooden product, it cannot be used in the microwave or dishwasher, but care is simple. You can wash it with neutral detergent just like your other dishes, so no special effort is required.
The wood grain areas are also coated with a transparent urethane finish, so water won't seep in. However, to ensure longevity, please avoid soaking in water for extended periods, and either air dry or wipe with a soft cloth.
This is the KyutarouBlue packaging. We've received the question, "Why don't you use blue in the packaging?" The reason is that we want you to be completely captivated by the "blue" that emerges when you open it.
That's why we deliberately chose a monochrome color scheme for the packaging and kept it simple and unified.
Regarding the bowls shown in the image photos, they are the blue color from our previously released "Bitter Colors Mokusai-wan" series, so please purchase them separately from here.
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."
【Notice about the Sou (Fresh) Series】
KyutarouBLUE is available in two series: the Standard series (deep blue) and the Sou series (light blue). (Click to go to the information page)
Please take a look at both!
