In Japan, porcelain ware has been loved since the ancient times, and its manufacturing techniques has been developed. Among those, Kutani ware is one of representative Japanese traditional crafts. It was in 1650s (370 years ago) that the first Kutani ware was manufactured in Kutani village (in Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture).
Kutani ware techniques are categorized into several types such as “Aote” (using blue background) and “Gosaide” (using vivid colors). Gosaide not only looks brilliant but also has dynamic beautiful design, which gives an astonishing impression.
Collaboration of Kutani Painting and Wakasa Lacquer Chopsticks
Seikou.Co.,Ltd. was established in early Taisho period (1912 to 1926), and now is located in Ishikawa Prefecture. It is a small company which has made a long history with cutting-edge technologies of painting and printing. Their elaborate works, which were handmade one by one with traditional methods, are recognized as “Japanese Art with Traditional Beauty”. It wasn’t just a coincidence that Seikou.Co.,Ltd encountered Kutani painting.
In Japan, chopsticks are always with us at our table. In addition to manners and usage of chopsticks, good usability and design have been pursued, and chopsticks that are not just tableware but also traditional craft works or even art are manufactured. In 1978, Wakasa lacquer ware was nominated as a national traditional craft work. It has such unique designs, and in particular Wakasa lacquer chopsticks with shell pattern or eggshell pattern are well known.
We would like to show you "Collaborations of Kutani Painting and Wakasa lacquer chopsticks" produced by Seikou.Co.,Ltd.
15 Designs with All Different Meanings
Seikou.Co.,Ltd. offers Kutani-painted Wakasa lacquer chopsticks with 15 kinds of design. Each of them has a different meaning. If you get to know their meanings or history behind those designs, you may find them even more interesting.
Ichimatsu Pattern
It’s also known as “Ishidatami (Cobblestones)” pattern, which is a traditional design often used in kimono.
Aoi
Aoi is a design known for “Kiisho” pattern, which is adored as lucky charm, and more technically called “Futaba Aoi”.
Crane
Crane is a symbol of longevity as well as happy marriage.
Hisago
Hisago is a gourd, which has been used as a protective charm and adored as a symbol of prosperity of descendants.
Yamagara (Titmouse)
Yamagara is an approx. 14 cm sized bird inhabiting in Japan. Hunting of wild birds is banned today, but used to be allowed as popular culture in the ancient times.
Baikiku (Ume and Kiku)
Ume and Kiku are the two out of four plants adored as lucky charm in Japan, and represent winter and autumn respectively. (The rest of two are orchid and bamboo.)
Takarazukushi (Full of Treasures)
Takarazukushi is a lucky pattern full with treasures such as mallet of luck, key of strongbox, and moneybag.
Mubyo (Six Gourds)
Mubyo is a symbol of sound health and has been designed in lots of things for good luck.
Mejiro
Mejiro is a cute bird similar to bush warbler, and it was a popular pet in the ancient times.
Kumonbomon (Nine Treasures)
his is a design with 9 treasures symbolizing good charms.
Kutani Phoenix
This is a design describing a phoenix in old Kutani painting method established in 1640s.
Sakura
Sakura is a symbol representing Japan and symbolizing upcoming spring, good start or new encounter.
Shishimai
Shishimai (a human disguised as a lion) is known as a lucky motif because it is traditionally said if it bites your head, you will be in sound healthy afterwards.
Iroebotan
This is one of the most common Kutani designs. It features vivid colors and dynamic components.
Chidori
Chidori is a symbol of happy family and secure home, and has been loved since Nara period (710-794).
Did you find your favorite or something that you want to give your family or beloved ones? If you know the meaning of each design, it will be much more fun to choose them. Let’s enrich your table with Japanese traditional Kutani-painted chopsticks!
