Introducing the two series of blue wooden tableware, "KyutarouBlue": the standard dark blue and the refreshing light blue.
Although blue and food are often considered a taboo combination, blue is actually a color with high affinity for food. It pairs exceptionally well with Japanese dining tables and food products.
These tableware items, combining wood and blue in an unprecedented way, bring a new sense of style and excitement to your dining experience.
Located in the Kawada district of Sabae City, Fukui Prefecture, an area surrounded by mountains, is the birthplace of Echizen lacquerware, a craft that has been continued for approximately 1,500 years.The KyutarouBlue series is crafted by "Shikki Kyuutarou," a company specializing in lacquerware in that region.
Currently, there are two color options: the standard series in deep blue (std) and the refreshing series in light blue.
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KyutarouBlue is a product born from the maker’s particular attention to detail.It was inspired by a comment that "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 clearer way to simultaneously convey the魅力 of "wood" and "lacquered" surfaces.
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 absolutely wonderful tableware.
In the Echizen lacquerware region, there exists a technique for commercial-grade lacquerware developed based on traditional craftsmanship.Using that technique and special paints, we achieved a carefully selected blue color and a semi-transparent finish 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 commercial lacquerware techniques, is a safe and hygienic coating that complies with the Food Sanitation Law.It is durable, easy to care for, and exhibits minimal aging.Each piece is finished by skilled artisans who spray the paint onto natural wood tableware using specialized techniques.
The delicate color gradation, created by artisans from Echizen, resembles waves.The edges are outlined in a deep blue, giving a crisp, refined look.
Because the blue areas are coated with semi-transparent paint, the wood grain creates 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 unique shades such as cobalt blue or sky blue.Each piece has a different face, making it a one-of-a-kind item for its owner.
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All bases are made of natural wood, lightweight, and have a warm, tactile feel.A faint aroma of wood also lingers.Thanks to its high heat retention, cups can be held with bare hands without feeling hot.
Being wooden, these tableware items are less likely to break if dropped.They are confidently recommended even for small children.
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KyutarouBlue tableware matches both Japanese and Western styles.Using it for entertaining guests will surely spark lively conversations.
It is versatile—perfect for home cafes, buffets, or serving desserts.Even simply placing store-bought side dishes on it can change the atmosphere.
It pairs excellently with outdoor settings such as balcony lunches, veranda meals, or outdoor activities.Vivid colors like yellow, red, or green also look strikingly beautiful with it!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 lovely gift or present.Since it is made of wood, it is less likely to break, and it can be given as a "Something Blue" gift for weddings.*What is "Something Blue"?*It is one of the traditional good luck charms (Something Four) for weddings, symbolizing happiness for the bride.This European superstition wishes the bride good fortune.
It is also recommended for celebrating the 5th wedding anniversary, known as the "Wooden Anniversary."This anniversary symbolizes a couple becoming a family and establishing roots like a tree, often celebrated by giving a gift related to wood.
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Because of its durability, the color will hardly fade over time.As it is made of wood, it cannot be used in microwave ovens or dishwashers, but maintenance is simple.Wash with neutral detergent just like other tableware—no special care required.
A transparent urethane coating is applied to the wood grain area, preventing water absorption.To prolong the life of the item, avoid soaking in water; instead, dry naturally or wipe gently 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 vibrant blue that appears when you open the package.Therefore, the packaging is intentionally kept monochrome and simple.
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**Please note before purchasing:***Regarding dents or unevenness in the 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 pieces are painted for the "Kyutarou BLUE" series.If we were to tighten inspection further, it would be difficult to offer at this price.Minor dents or color variations are considered part of the product’s character, and we hope you will enjoy and cherish the unique personality of each piece—"Kyutarou BLUE" and wooden tableware.
*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."