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 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 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 "Kyuutaoru Blue" was created.
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The urethane paint used exclusively for tableware, developed with the expertise of commercial lacquerware techniques, is a safe and hygienic coating 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 wood tableware using specialized techniques.
The delicate color gradation, created by craftsmen from Echizen, resembles waves, with a blue outline that sharply defines the overall appearance.The blue areas are semi-transparent, allowing the wood grain to show through, creating a beautiful gradation.Even with the same product, the hue of blue can vary—ranging from cobalt blue to sky blue—depending on the color of the wood at the time of manufacture.Each piece has a unique face, making it a one-of-a-kind item 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 lingers.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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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—balcony lunches, veranda meals, or outdoor activities.Vivid colors like yellow, red, and green also look strikingly beautiful!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 the microwave or dishwasher, but maintenance is simple.Wash with neutral detergent just like other tableware—no special care required.
A transparent urethane coating is applied to the wood grain area, preventing water absorption.To prolong its life, avoid soaking in water; instead, dry naturally or wipe with a soft cloth.
KyutarouBlue’s packaging is gray.You 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 or 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.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.Small 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 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."