Introduction of Blue × Wooden Blue Wooden Tableware "KyutarouBlue" - Two Series (Dark Blue Standard and Light Blue Refresh)
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 the unprecedented pairing of wood and blue, bring a new sense of style and excitement to your dining experience.
Location: Kawada District, Sabae City, Fukui Prefecture.The Kawada District, surrounded by mountains, has been a production area for Echizen lacquerware for approximately 1,500 years.The Kyutarou Blue series is crafted by "Lacquerware Kyuutarou," a company with a long history in the lacquerware industry in that region.
Currently, there are two color variations:- The Dark Blue Standard (std) series- The Light Blue Refresh series
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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 is wood or plastic."This led to the idea of finding a way to clearly convey the魅力 of both "wood" and "lacquerware" 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.
The Echizen region has traditional techniques that have evolved into professional-grade lacquerware technology.Using these techniques and paints, we developed a special blue color that highlights the wood grain with a semi-transparent finish.
This is how "Kyuutaoru Blue" was born.
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The urethane lacquer used for these tableware items was developed using professional-grade lacquerware techniques and is a safe, food-sanitary-compliant coating.It is highly durable, resistant to aging, easy to care for, and safe to use.Each piece is finished by skilled artisans who spray the urethane onto natural wood utensils.
The delicate color tones are achievable thanks to the craftsmanship of Echizen artisans.The blue hue, created through repeated trial and error with artisans, is a carefully crafted color.The gradation created by the semi-transparent coating that allows the wood grain to show through resembles waves.The entire piece is sharply defined with a border in a deep blue.
The blue areas are semi-transparent, allowing the wood grain to create a natural gradient.Even with the same product, the blue hue varies depending on the color of the wood at the time of manufacture, resulting in shades like cobalt blue or sky blue, each with its own character.Each piece has a unique face, making it a one-of-a-kind item for its owner.
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All wooden parts are made from natural wood, making the tableware lightweight and providing a warm, tactile feel.A faint aroma of wood also emanates from the items.Because of its high heat retention, cups can be held with your 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, home buffets, or serving desserts.Even simply placing takeout 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 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, symbolizing happiness for the bride.It is a European superstition wishing the bride happiness.
It is also recommended for celebrating the 5th wedding anniversary, known as the "Wooden Wedding."This anniversary symbolizes a 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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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.
The wood grain areas are coated with a transparent urethane finish, preventing water absorption.To prolong the life of the tableware, avoid soaking in water; instead, dry naturally or wipe with a soft cloth.
The packaging of KyutarouBlue is gray.Some may ask, "Why not use blue in the packaging?"The reason is that we want the vibrant blue color to catch your eye 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 point.Small 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 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."