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, featuring an unprecedented combination of wood and blue, 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 "Shikki Kyuutarou," a lacquerware manufacturer based there.
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 tableware considered taboo?We were confident that it would become absolutely wonderful tableware.
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 were able to create a carefully crafted blue color that highlights the wood grain with a semi-transparent coating.
This resulted in the creation of "Kyuutaoru Blue."
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The urethane paint used exclusively for tableware, developed with the technology of commercial lacquerware, is a safe and安心な (safe and secure) paint 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 a specialized technique.
The delicate color gradation, created by the craftsmen’s repeated trial and error, is unique.The semi-transparent coating allows the wood grain to show through, creating a wave-like gradient.The edges are outlined in a deep blue, giving a sharp and refined appearance.
Because the blue areas are semi-transparent, the wood grain creates a natural gradation.Even with the same product, the hue of blue can vary—ranging from cobalt blue to sky blue—resulting in a rich variety of expressions.Each piece has a unique face, 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 emanates from each piece.Thanks to 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.This makes it a confident recommendation for small children as well.
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KyutarouBlue tableware matches both Japanese and Western styles.It’s perfect for entertaining guests and will surely spark lively conversations.
Its versatility includes use in home cafes, home buffets, or as a dessert plate.Even simply placing takeout dishes on it can change the atmosphere.
It pairs excellently with outdoor settings—balcony lunches, veranda meals, or outdoor activities.Vivid colors like yellow, red, and 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.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 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.It can be washed with neutral detergent just like other tableware, with no special care required.
The wood grain areas are coated with a transparent urethane layer, 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 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 this inspection, pieces with significant dents or less attractive wood grain are set aside.After inspection, about half of the raw wood is removed, and the remaining pieces are painted for the "Kyutarou BLUE" series.If we were to tighten inspection further, it would be difficult to offer this product at this price.Minor dents or color variations 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 the same.We hope you enjoy your own unique "Kyutarou BLUE."