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 "Shikki Kyuutarou," a company with a long history in the lacquerware industry 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 creator’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 a wonderful piece of tableware.
In the Echizen lacquerware region, there exists技術 for commercial lacquerware that has developed based on traditional techniques.Using that技術 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 lacquer developed specifically for tableware, utilizing技術 from commercial lacquerware, is a安心 and safe coating that complies with the Food Sanitation Law.It is durable, easy to care for, and exhibits minimal aging deterioration.Each piece is finished by skilled craftsmen who spray the urethane onto natural wood tableware.
The delicate color tones are achievable thanks to the craftsmanship of Echizen artisans.The blue, created through repeated trial and error with artisans, features a gradation that resembles waves, with a crisp outline in a deep blue that accentuates the overall design.
Because the blue areas are coated with semi-transparent paint, 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 manufacture, resulting in shades like cobalt blue or sky blue, each with its own character.Each piece has a unique face, making it a one-of-a-kind item for its owner.
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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.Thanks to high heat retention, cups can be held with your hands without feeling hot.
Being wooden tableware, they are less likely to break if dropped.This makes them confidently recommended for small children as well.
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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 beautifully!It can be casually used in Japanese-style rooms and with Japanese cuisine, and it 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.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 deteriorate 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 item, avoid soaking in water; instead, dry naturally or wipe with a soft cloth.
KyutarouBlue’s packaging 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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○ 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.After inspection, about half of the raw wood is discarded, and the remaining pieces are painted for the "Kyutarou BLUE" series.If we tighten inspection further, it would be difficult to offer at this price point.Please consider minor dents or color irregularities as individual characteristics, and enjoy the unique charm of "Kyutarou BLUE" and wooden tableware casually.
*Regarding variations in the blue color tone and unevenness*Since "Kyutarou BLUE" 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 the same.We hope you enjoy your own unique "Kyutarou BLUE."