A Relaxing New School Year with Urushi Ware
Suddenly it's April.
Cherry blossoms are in full bloom, and spring plants are starting to appear.
The return of this atmosphere makes me feel the passage of time and brings a sense of calm.
Just in time for the new school year, we received "Tsutinahco Urushi Ware," which evokes a similar sense of comfort with its gentle feel.
These vessels, which embody traditional Japanese culture, are a perfect match for this season, when the faint scent of cherry blossoms drifts through the air.
I hope you can indulge in the luxurious flavors of spring, beautifully breathing within these vessels.
Tsutinahco Urushi Ware
Echizen Lacquerware, which is said to have begun 1500 years ago in the Kawada district of Sabae City.
Kawada, which has developed diverse lacquerware production to suit the times, is one of the main production areas for lacquerware for the domestic food service and commercial industries.
Tsutinahco Urushi Ware was founded in 1962, utilizing the lacquerware manufacturing techniques cultivated in this region.
They are said to handle all processes in-house, except for the base material creation.
I was able to see their production site through borrowed photos.
The workshop employs first-class technicians and traditional craftsmen, with specialized artisans each fulfilling their roles while working together with detailed communication.
This process is said to enhance product completeness and stabilize quality.
Tsutinahco Urushi Ware, which pursues precision and beauty, brings a comforting sense of security the moment you hold it.
Morning Serenity from Urushi Ware
Why not start your day with a rice bowl, soup bowl, and tray?
Knowing that busy days begin in the morning, I consciously want to have some quiet time.
At such times, using Tsutinahco Urushi Ware to tighten the impression of your dining table creates just the right amount of space.
The enchanting smoothness naturally makes you want to touch it.
The round tray uses a technique called "nunokise," where cloth is applied to the wood base and then coated with lacquer.
Nunokise is said to prevent cracking and deformation of the wood base, increasing its durability.
The faintly visible cloth fibers beneath the lacquer layers create a unique texture and depth.
The rice bowl "White", which retains the beautiful grain of keyaki (zelkova) and is coated with white lacquer, has a soft, beige-like color.
Its beautiful, gentle curves and fresh form blend seamlessly into modern tabletops.
Harmonizing with Different Materials
The "Navy" nesting bowl (medium), whose dark color changes to blue over time, harmonizes with other tableware with its calm hue, enhancing each other's beauty.
It gives a slightly fresh impression, yet creates a surprisingly unified space.
It's generously sized, so I also use it as a soup bowl for miso soup or other soups with plenty of ingredients.
When combined with vibrant pottery or colorful ingredients, it creates a refined balance and adds a rich expression to the dining table.
The nesting bowls can be stacked in different sizes, allowing for compact storage.
Even in limited storage space, they can be neatly organized and easily accessed.
Highlighting Spring Delicacies
Tsutinahco Urushi Ware features a smooth texture, gentle colors, and graceful curves.
This time, we plated Japanese cuisine filled with spring blessings, but the natural and rich expressions of lacquer and keyaki blend well with both Japanese and Western dining tables.
This transitional period of changing seasons marks a new beginning in life.
As the new season arrives, why not pick up an elegant piece of lacquerware and start your day calmly while preparing your mind?
