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 "Shikki Kyuutarou," a company with a long history in the lacquerware industry there.
Currently, there are two color variations:- The standard series in dark blue (std)- The refresh 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 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.
In the Echizen lacquerware region, there exists a technology for commercial-grade lacquerware developed based on traditional techniques.Using this technology and special paints, we achieved a carefully crafted 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 lacquer used exclusively for tableware, developed with the expertise of commercial-grade lacquerware technology, is a safe and hygienic coating that complies with the Food Sanitation Law.It is highly durable, easy to care for, and resistant to aging.Each piece is finished by skilled artisans who spray the urethane onto natural wood tableware using a specialized technique.
The delicate color tones are made possible by Echizen artisans’ craftsmanship.The gradient 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, refined look.
The blue areas are semi-transparent, allowing the wood grain to create a natural gradient.Even the same product can vary in hue—from cobalt blue to sky blue—depending on the color of the wood at the time of manufacture, making each piece unique.Every item has its own character, 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.Because of its high heat retention, cups can be held with your hands without feeling hot.
As 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, buffets, or dessert presentations.Even simply placing takeout 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, and green also look strikingly beautiful on 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 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 wood-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 cleaning is simple.It can be washed with neutral detergent just like other tableware, with no special care required.
The wood grain area is coated with a transparent urethane finish, preventing water absorption.To prolong its lifespan, avoid soaking in water; instead, dry naturally or wipe gently 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 you to be captivated by the "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.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 shade of blue and wood grain expression.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."