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 "Shikki Kyuutarou," a lacquerware manufacturer based there.
Currently, the series is available in two colors:- 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 a truly wonderful piece.
In the Echizen lacquerware region, there exists a technology for commercial lacquerware that has developed based on traditional techniques.Using this technology and special paints, we achieved a carefully crafted blue color that highlights the wood grain with a semi-transparent finish.
This is how "Kyuutaoru Blue" was born.
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The urethane lacquer used exclusively for tableware, developed with the technology of commercial lacquerware, is a safe and安心な (safe and secure) paint 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 hue, born from repeated trial and error with craftsmen, is a meticulous choice.The gradation 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 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, giving each item its unique character.Each piece has a different face, making it a one-of-a-kind item just for you.
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All wood bases 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 can be held with your hands without feeling hot.
Being wooden tableware, it is less likely to break if dropped.This makes it highly recommended for small children as well.
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KyutarouBlue tableware matches both Japanese and Western styles.It’s perfect for entertaining guests, and it’s sure to spark conversation.Versatile in use—ideal for home cafes, buffets, or dessert presentations.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 on it!It can be casually used in Japanese-style rooms and with Japanese cuisine.It also complements Japanese ceramics very well.
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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 Wedding."This anniversary symbolizes a couple becoming a family and establishing roots like trees, and giving a wood-themed gift 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 microwave ovens or dishwashers, but cleaning is simple.Wash with neutral detergent just like other tableware—no special effort required.
The wood grain areas are coated with a transparent urethane finish, preventing water absorption.To prolong the life of the item, avoid soaking in water; instead, dry naturally or wipe gently 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 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 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 is painted for the "Kyutarou BLUE" series.If we tighten inspection further, it would be impossible to offer this product at this price.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 unevenness*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 wood material.Each item has its own personality, and no two are exactly the same.We hope you enjoy your own unique "Kyutarou BLUE."