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 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 series available:- The Standard (std) series in dark blue- 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 wonderful piece of tableware.
In the Echizen lacquerware region, there exists a technology for commercial-grade lacquerware that has developed based on traditional techniques.Using this technology and special paints, we were able to develop a carefully chosen blue color and a semi-transparent coating that highlights the wood grain.
This is how "Kyuutaoru Blue" was created.
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The urethane paint used exclusively for tableware, developed with the technology of commercial lacquerware, is a safe and hygienic coating that complies with the Food Sanitation Act.It is durable, easy to care for, and resistant to aging.Each piece is finished by artisans who spray the paint onto natural wood tableware using specialized techniques.
The delicate color tones are achievable thanks to the skills of Echizen artisans.The gradient 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 deep blue.
The blue areas are coated with semi-transparent paint, creating a gradation of the wood grain.Even with the same product, the quality of the blue 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 item has a unique appearance, making it a one-of-a-kind piece just for you.
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All bases are made of natural wood, lightweight, and have a warm, tactile feel.A faint aroma of wood also emanates.Because of its high heat retention, cups can be held 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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KyuutarouBlue 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 dishes on it can change the atmosphere.
It pairs excellently with outdoor settings such as balcony lunches or veranda meals, and is suitable for outdoor use.Vivid colors like yellow, red, and green also match beautifully!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"?*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 good fortune.
It is also recommended for celebrating the 5th wedding anniversary, known as the "Wooden Anniversary."This anniversary symbolizes a couple becoming a family and establishing roots like a tree, and it is customary to give a gift related to wood to celebrate.
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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 the microwave or dishwasher, 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 ensure longevity, avoid soaking in water; instead, dry naturally or wipe with a soft cloth.
The packaging of KyutarouBlue 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 kept monochrome and simple.
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○ Important notes before purchase*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 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.Please consider minor dents or color irregularities as unique characteristics, and enjoy the "Kyutarou BLUE" and wooden tableware casually.
*Regarding variations in the blue color and wood grain:*Since the "Kyutarou BLUE" series uses semi-transparent paint on natural wood, each piece will have a different shade of blue and unique wood grain expression.This is proof of the natural material.Each item has its own personality, and no two are exactly the same.We hope you enjoy your own "Kyutarou BLUE."