Lacquer-turned zelkova bowl｜Black lacquer

Kijishi from Nagano who carves bowls from zelkova trees, and lacquerware from the mountains who rub lacquer onto wooden bowls using a technique called rubbing lacquer.

A bowl born from the pursuit of a beautiful form and ease of use that brings out the texture of wood and the luster of black lacquer.
I came up with a wipe-lacquered rice bowl that would fit right into the current dining table where Japanese and Western tableware are lined up together.
It is a bowl with a shape and coating that we have arrived at through trial and error with two craftsmen.

Keyaki is used as the material. It is a tree that has been loved for a long time in Japan, and its beautiful grain makes it suitable for tall bowls.

The first feature of the bowl shape is A low platform that closes inward. It fits neatly on a tall dining table, and can be placed together with other western tableware and plates.
In the past, dining tables were low like chabudai, but now there are many dining tables, and a high table tends to have a large appearance and presence. In order to make it easier for fingers to lift the bowl as a soup bowl, I tried to keep it as minimal as possible while adding a foot.

The second feature of the bowl shape is the ease of use as a rice bowl. From rice bowls to noodles in soups such as udon and ramen, it is shaped to hold plenty.
I made it like a bowl with a little reservoir.

In addition to rice bowls and noodles, it can be used for a wide range of miso soups, soups, salads, and simmered dishes.

The bowl is slightly thicker than the soup bowl.
Lacquerware made of wood has insulating properties, so even if you put hot soup in it, the bowl will soften the heat and you can hold it in your hand without it being too hot. In addition, it has a deep shape, so it is also recommended for dishes that you want to eat hot.

Lightness is one of the characteristics of wood. In particular, in a large bowl like this, its lightness is surprisingly light compared to ceramics, which is a popular point for the elderly. It is more difficult to break than ceramic, so it can be used by everyone in the family, from children to the elderly.

It looks beautiful when served in a small bowl. This is also because the vessel itself is light and does not look exaggerated when actually used. "Large is also small", and it is a vessel that appears many times every day.

The finish is wiping lacquer. It is a technique to rub many times like wiping lacquer. Black lacquer that has been reacted with iron is rubbed over it. Unlike the main coating applied with a brush, the wood grain of the zelkova wood appears slightly and softly like wiped lacquer, giving it a transparent black color.

The lacquerer's careful work gives it a glossy texture. In the process between rubbing the lacquer, the fine work to stop the grain of the wood is done carefully.

Since it is lacquered, it is resistant to moisture and can be used without hesitation every day. As long as you avoid strong friction from dishwashers, hard metals, etc., and even soak and wash, delicate handling is unnecessary.

When you try using lacquerware, you will feel that it is very comfortable to use, such as lightness and heat insulation.

The material is soft to the touch and perfect for bowls. Boiled foods and soups are also hard to cool, so you can enjoy warm dishes deliciously.

As a bowl or as a bowl. It is a bowl that does not look like Japanese tableware, and fits perfectly in today's dining table, which is lined with various dishes and tableware.

▼Photo
14 Front: Soup bowl Back: Rice bowl
15 Left: Soup bowl Right: Don bowl
16 Left: Soup bowl Bottom: Wiping lacquerware that can be used every day Right: rice bowl

【material】
Japanese zelkova
wipe lacquer finish

[Size] φ15.4×8cm

【Care】
・Avoid using a hard brush. The lacquer may peel off.
・Please avoid soaking in water for a long time.
・Detergent can be used without problems. It's okay to wash with a soft brush or wash with a sponge.
・Avoid using a microwave oven, dish dryer, or refrigerator.

*Frequently Asked Questions/Supplementary Comments*

・There are "soup bowl" and "bowl" made of the same material and wiped lacquer finish.

・We do not repaint and repair due to the intention of the lacquer craftsman. The reason for this is that with long-term use, salt from cooking may penetrate into areas where the lacquer has become thinner, and even if the lacquer is reapplied, the quality cannot be guaranteed afterward.