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, 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.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 of lacquerware craftsmanship in that region.
Currently, there are two color variations:- The standard series in dark blue (std)- 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 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 absolutely wonderful tableware.
In the Echizen lacquerware production area, there exists advanced技術 for commercial lacquerware based on traditional techniques.Using that技術 and special paints, we developed a carefully chosen blue color and a semi-transparent coating that highlights the wood grain.
This is how "Kyuutaoru Blue" was born.
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The urethane paint used exclusively for tableware, developed with技術 from the Echizen lacquerware industry, is a安心・安全な塗料 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 craftsmen who spray the paint onto natural wooden tableware using技術 that ensures quality.
The delicate color tones are achievable thanks to the craftsmanship of Echizen artisans.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 sharp, refined look.
Because the blue areas are semi-transparent, 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 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 lingers.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 dessert presentations.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, and green also match vibrantly!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 Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue") 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 Wedding."This anniversary symbolizes a couple becoming a family and establishing roots like a tree, and giving a gift related to wood 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 layer, preventing water absorption.To prolong the life of the tableware, 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 appears when you open the package.Therefore, the packaging is intentionally monochrome and simple in design.
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○Please note before purchasing:*Regarding dents and 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.After inspection, about half of the raw wood is discarded, 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, and we hope you will cherish these features and enjoy "Kyutarou BLUE" and wooden tableware casually.
*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木 used.Each piece has its own personality, and no two are exactly the same.We hope you enjoy your own unique "Kyutarou BLUE."