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Kikuwari Soup Bowl with Lid
Kikuwari Soup Bowl with Lid
Kikuwari Soup Bowl with Lid
Kikuwari Soup Bowl with Lid
Kikuwari Soup Bowl with Lid
Kikuwari Soup Bowl with Lid

By 190+ Year Old Urushi Lacquer Company in Kyoto

Kikuwari Soup Bowl with Lid

MA-319

Regular price $ 60.00 Sale

Isuke - Specialized Urushi Lacquer in Kyoto for Over 190 Years

Isuke was founded in Kyoto as an Urushi lacquer business in the late Edo period (1600-1868). The company has produced the natural material of Japanese lacquerware and lacquerware products for more than 190 years. 

This family company, now operating under its 7th generation, continues to specialize in simple and modern tableware that combines the long-standing techniques of Japanese Urushi lacquerware with novel designs. Everyone at Isuke is committed to and passionate about bringing the beauty of Urushi lacquerware to the world.

Urushi: Japanese Lacquerware - Meticulous Craftsmanship

Asian lacquer trees produce a unique, natural sap that is unmatched by modern imitations. The sap's strength makes their products both highly durable and water-resistant.

Human use of this lacquer sap, called Urushi, has a history that goes back to the Stone Age, when it was originally utilized as an adhesive throughout Asia. It is the Japanese, however, who were first to recognize its inherent beauty and who first introduced its use into their craftsmanship. Without doubt, Japanese Urushi is one of the most famous traditional crafts in Japan, and throughout this long-standing history the techniques have been improved and refined.

Japanese Urushi lacquerware is crafted through various manufacturing processes; lathing, painting, polishing and decorating. These Japanese Urushi lacquerware products vary from everyday-use items such as soup bowls, rice bowls, plates and cups to luxury furniture and tea ceremony set. These products are symbols of Japanese culture.

Kikuwari Soup Bowl with Lid - Traditional Masterpiece

Kikuwari Soup Bowl with Lid showcases the rare Kodai Negoro finish and the unique Kikuwari shape. The Kodai Negoro finish is a masterpiece of lacquer art, achieved by layering black beneath a rich vermillion topcoat, revealing intriguing glimpses of black from beneath the vermillion surface, a technique known as Negoro-nuri.

The Kikuwari shape is equally extraordinary, with its petal-like divisions resembling a chrysanthemum, a symbolic flower of Japan. Beyond its artistic appeal, this shape also serves a functional purpose, making it easier to hold.

Each layer of lacquer is applied by hand, requiring time and precision, resulting in a luxurious finish that exudes sophistication. Whether you're hosting guests, enjoying a traditional Japanese soup, dessert, or savoring a modern dish, this bowl effortlessly adapts to any occasion.

 

  • Size: 4.3" diameter x 4" high | 11 cm diameter x 10 cm high
  • Weight: 5 oz | 142 g
  • Capacity: 6.8 fl oz | 200 ml
  • Material: Wood powder and resin molding, Urushi coating
  • Brand: Isuke
  • Origin: Japan

Usage and Care

  • Hand-wash only. Wash in lukewarm water with a soft sponge and rinse well.
  • Avoid direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
  • Never put your lacquerware in a microwave oven or dishwasher.
  • Keep away from stoves or heaters, and avoid excessive dryness and humidity.
  • Do not stack on top of other lacquer products.
  • Do not use sharp eating utensils such as knife and fork.
  • Do not apply excessive weight to the product.
  • Do not store food in the lacquerware.
  • Do not put lacquerware in refrigerator.
  • To restore luster, polish with a soft dry cloth, and if necessary, apply a few drops of vegetable oil.

Domestic Orders

  • Usually ships out in-stock items within 3 business days of order.
  • We use FedEx, USPS Priority Mail, or USPS First Class Mail to ship our products, depending on the size and weight of the package.
  • Read about the shipping information and terms in our Customer Service Page.
  • Free shipping with purchase of $375 or more! (Within Continental US only. Total purchase amount to qualify excludes free shipping offer items.)

International Orders

  • Usually ship out in-stock within 5 business days of order.
  • We use USPS Priority Mail International for international shipping.
  • We do not accept any returns for international orders. Any additional charges (including but not limited to import tax, custom fees, VAT, brokerage charge) that might incur after the order lands in the destination country must be borne by the recipient.
  • Read about the shipping information and terms in our Customer Service Page.