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 in the Echizen lacquerware industry.
Currently, there are two color variations:- The standard series in deep 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 a truly wonderful piece.
In the Echizen lacquerware region, there exists a technology for commercial-grade lacquerware developed based on traditional techniques.Using that technology and special paints, we were able to produce a carefully crafted blue color and a semi-transparent finish that highlights the wood grain.
This is how "KyuutarouBlue" was born.
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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 resistant to 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, is unique.The gradient, which appears as if waves are flowing, is achieved by a semi-transparent blue that allows the wood grain to show through.The edges are outlined in a deep blue, giving a crisp, 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 shades like cobalt blue or sky blue, each with its own character.Each piece has a unique appearance, making it a one-of-a-kind item for its owner.
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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 and similar items can be held comfortably without feeling hot.
Being made of wood, 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 store-bought side dishes on it can change the atmosphere.
It pairs excellently with outdoor settings such as balcony lunches or patio dinners, and is suitable for outdoor use.Vivid colors like yellow, red, and green also look strikingly beautiful with it!It can be casually used in Japanese-style rooms and with Japanese cuisine, and pairs very well with Japanese ceramics.
It also 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"?* — One of the traditional good luck charms ("Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue") in 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 finish, preventing water absorption.To prolong the life of the tableware, 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 the vibrant blue that appears when you open the package to captivate your attention.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.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 natural beauty of 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."