漆器　（Lacquered Tableware / Japan)

“漆器 (lacquered tableware)” have been called as “Japan” whereas ceramic tableware have been called as “China”. It is said that lacquered tableware technology have been produced in Japan since more than 9,000 years ago. Lacquered tableware is using original natural painting “漆 (Urushi)” which is generated from “漆(Urushi) tree”.

Tablewares coated by Urushi are very elegant. Please look at picture of lacqurerd tableware below. It is mono color and no image but shows graceful and luxury atmosphere itself. Why it is so graceful? Because the technology has been cultivated for a long time only for producing this simple tableware. It is said that there are more than 120 manufacturing process to produce lacquered tableware.

The color of Uruchi painting is dependent on the pigment.

In past, there are no chemical pigment and Urushi paining uses natural pigment. Since red natural pigment had been much expensive than black pigment, red lacquered tableware had been expensive than black lacquered tableware. Therefore, red tableware had been for boys and black one had been for girls because family line had been inherited by boys in Japan. Of course such circumstances are not exists and colors are chosen by his or her taste.

Nowadays, the price for lacquered tableware depends on pigments but depends on base woods, kinds of Urushi painting, manufacturing process, design and others based on the technology belongs to craftsman.

Pattens written in lacquered tableware create beautiful images.

Sometimes used with other dishes, chopsticks spoons and forks. Chopsticks, spoons and forks are also panted by Urushi painting. They are really natural texture and once you use them, it is sure that you are attracted by them.

Glossy Urushi painting shows luxury taste.

Urushi painting match with natural wood as it is. Annual tree rings can be pattern for tableware.

Beautiful isn’t it?

Do you see thickness of the cups in picture below. These cups are the original before painting Urushi. Base cups have to be dried at least half year to prevent cups changing its shape influence by temperature and humidity.

After that, Urishi will be painted again and again and again. There are mainly 9 process only for simple manufacturing process. You can imagine how many process will be necessary to produce colored and patterned lacquered tableware.