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 "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 commitment.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 that has developed based on traditional techniques.Using this technology and special paints, we were able to develop a carefully crafted blue color and a semi-transparent finish that highlights the wood grain.
This is how "Kyuutaoru Blue" was born.
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The urethane lacquer used exclusively for tableware, developed with the expertise of commercial-grade lacquerware technology, 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 artisans who spray the urethane onto natural wood tableware using a specialized technique.
The delicate color tones are made possible by Echizen artisans.The blue, born from repeated trial and error with craftsmen, features a gradient that resembles waves, created by the semi-transparent coating that allows the wood grain to show through.The entire piece is sharply defined with a border in a deep blue.
Because the blue areas are semi-transparent, the wood grain creates a natural gradient.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, resulting in a unique and expressive item.Each piece has its own character, making it a one-of-a-kind item for its owner.
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All the wood parts are made from natural wood, lightweight, and have a warm, tactile feel.A faint aroma of wood also lingers.Thanks to its high heat retention, cups and similar items can be held comfortably 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, 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 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 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 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 the microwave or dishwasher, 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 life, avoid soaking in water; instead, dry naturally or wipe gently 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 removed.After this process, about half of the raw wood is discarded, and the remaining half is 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 variations as individual characteristics, and enjoy the "Kyutarou BLUE" and wooden tableware casually.
*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 unique blue hue 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."