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 the unprecedented pairing of wood and blue, bring a new sense of style and excitement to your dining experience.
Location: Kawada District, Sabae City, Fukui Prefecture.The Kawada District, surrounded by mountains, has been a production area for Echizen lacquerware for approximately 1,500 years.The Kyutarou Blue series is crafted by "Lacquerware Kyuutarou," a company with a long history in the Echizen lacquerware industry.
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 a wonderful piece of tableware.
The Echizen lacquerware region has traditional techniques that have evolved into professional-grade lacquerware technology.Using these techniques and paints, we developed 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 professional-grade lacquerware techniques, is safe and compliant with the Food Sanitation Law.It is a durable, easy-to-maintain urethane coating that shows almost no deterioration over time.Each piece is finished by artisans who spray the paint onto natural wood utensils 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 edges are outlined in a deep blue, giving a crisp, refined look.
The blue areas are semi-transparent, creating a gradation effect in the wood grain.Even the same product can vary in hue—ranging from cobalt blue to sky blue—depending on the color of the wood at the time of manufacture, making each piece unique.Every item has a different face, making it a one-of-a-kind item for its owner.
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All bases are made of natural wood, making the tableware lightweight and providing a warm, tactile feel.A faint wood aroma also emanates from the items.Thanks to high heat retention, cups can be held comfortably with your hands without feeling hot.
Being wooden, these tableware items are less likely to break if dropped.They are recommended with confidence even for small children.
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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 takeout 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.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 wood-themed gift is a way to celebrate this milestone.
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The tableware is durable, and the color will hardly deteriorate over time.Since 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 finish, preventing water absorption.To prolong its lifespan, avoid soaking in water; instead, dry naturally or wipe 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 the vibrant blue to catch your eye 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 half is painted for the "Kyutarou BLUE" series.If inspection were made more strict, it would be difficult to offer at this price point.Minor dents or color irregularities are considered part of each piece’s unique character.Please enjoy and cherish these features, and feel free to use "Kyutarou BLUE" and wooden tableware casually.
*Regarding the shade and unevenness of the blue paint:*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 alike.We hope you enjoy your own unique "Kyutarou BLUE."