Introducing the Blue × Wooden Blue Wooden Tableware "KyutarouBlue" — two series: the standard dark blue and the refreshing light blue.
Although blue and food are often considered a taboo combination, it is actually a color with high affinity for food. It pairs exceptionally well with Japanese dining tables and food products.
These tableware items, a novel combination of wood and blue, bring a new sense of style and excitement to your dining experience.
Located in the Kawada district of Sabae City, Fukui Prefecture.The Kawada district, surrounded by mountains, has been a production area for Echizen lacquerware for approximately 1,500 years.The KyutarouBlue series is crafted by "Lacquerware Kyuutarou," a company with a long history in the lacquerware industry in that region.
Currently, there are two series available:- The standard (std) series in a deep blue color- The refreshing series in a light blue color
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KyutarouBlue is a product born from the creator’s particular attention to detail.It was inspired by a comment: "If lacquer or paint is applied all over, it’s hard for amateurs to tell whether the material underneath is wood or plastic."This led to the idea of finding a way to clearly convey the魅力 of both "wood" and "lacquered" surfaces simultaneously.
At the same time, there was a desire to create blue-colored tableware.Why is blue considered taboo for tableware?We were confident that it would become a truly wonderful piece of tableware.
In the Echizen lacquerware region, there exists a technology for commercial-grade lacquerware that has developed based on traditional techniques.Using that technology and special paints, we were able to develop a refined blue color and a semi-transparent coating that highlights the wood grain.
This is how "Kyuutaoru Blue" was created.
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The urethane paint used exclusively for tableware, developed with the expertise of commercial lacquerware techniques, is a safe and安心な (safe and secure) food-grade coating that complies with the Food Sanitation Law.It is highly durable, resistant to aging, and easy to care for.This "tableware urethane paint" is applied meticulously by craftsmen onto each piece of natural wood tableware.
The delicate color tones, created through repeated trial and error with local Echizen craftsmen, are unique.The gradation created by the semi-transparent coating that allows the wood grain to show through resembles waves.The edges are outlined in a deep blue, giving a crisp, defined look.
The blue areas are semi-transparent, allowing the wood grain to create a natural gradient.Even with the same product, the hue of blue varies depending on the color of the wood at the time of production, resulting in rich variations such as cobalt blue or sky blue.Each piece has a unique face, making it a one-of-a-kind item just for you.
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All the wood used is natural, lightweight, and has a warm, tactile feel.A faint aroma of wood also emanates from each piece.Thanks to its high heat retention, cups can be held comfortably with your hands without feeling hot.
Being wooden tableware, it is less likely to break if dropped.It is confidently recommended even for small children.
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KyutarouBlue tableware matches both Japanese and Western styles.Using it for hospitality or entertaining guests will surely spark lively conversations.
It is versatile—perfect for home cafes, home buffets, or serving desserts.Even simply placing store-bought side dishes on it can change the atmosphere.
It pairs excellently with outdoor settings—balcony lunches, veranda meals, or outdoor activities.Vivid colors like yellow, red, and green also match beautifully!It can be casually used in Japanese-style rooms and with Japanese cuisine.It also pairs very well with Japanese ceramics.
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It makes a great gift or present.Since it is made of wood, it is less likely to break, making it suitable as a "Something Blue" gift for weddings.*What is "Something Blue"?*It is one of the traditional good luck charms ("Something Four") for weddings.It is a European superstition wishing happiness for the bride.
It is also recommended for celebrating the 5th wedding anniversary, known as the "Wooden Anniversary."This symbolizes the couple becoming a family and establishing roots like a tree, and giving a wooden-themed gift is a way to celebrate this milestone.
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The tableware is durable and maintains its color over time.Since it is made of wood, it cannot be used in the microwave or dishwasher, but cleaning is simple.It can be washed with neutral detergent just like other tableware, with no special care required.
The wood grain areas are coated with a transparent urethane, preventing water absorption.To prolong its lifespan, avoid soaking in water; instead, dry naturally or wipe with a soft cloth.
KyutarouBlue’s packaging is gray.Some may wonder, "Why not use blue in the packaging?"The reason is that we want you to be captivated by the "blue" that emerges when you open the package.Therefore, the packaging is intentionally kept monochrome and simple.
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○ Please note before purchasing:*Regarding dents and uneven wood grain*The production of the "Kyutarou BLUE" series begins with inspecting the raw, unfinished wood.During inspection, pieces with significant dents or less attractive wood grain are set aside.About half of the raw wood is discarded at this stage, and the remaining half is painted for the "Kyutarou BLUE" series.If we were to tighten inspection further, it would be difficult to offer at this price point.Minor dents or color irregularities are considered part of each piece’s unique character.We hope you will enjoy and cherish the individuality of "Kyutarou BLUE" and the natural beauty of wood.
*Regarding the shade and unevenness of the blue paint*Since the "Kyutarou BLUE" series uses semi-transparent paint on wood, each piece will have a different expression of blue and wood grain.This is proof of the natural wood material.Each piece has its own personality, and no two are exactly alike.We hope you enjoy your own unique "Kyutarou BLUE."