What does lacquerware remind you of? Traditional, expensive soup bowls may come to the minds of many.
Tsuchinao Shikki Corp.'s tumblers and bottles are made in Fukui Prefecture where the Echizen lacquerware with a history of about 1,500 years is produced.
The beautiful works of Echizen lacquerware are produced by specializing in the processes of woodwork, lacquering and makie painting.
Tsuchinao Shikki is one of the few workshops where craftsmen specialize in all processes, except woodwork. There are not only skilled craftsmen, but many young and female staff who put their efforts into developing products to suit the times by introducing new ideas.
Black or vermilion lacquered tumblers and bottles are some of the many examples. They are made in the hope that Japanese traditional lacquer culture will blend with elements of everyday life, such as coffee breaks.
Its double-vacuum design keeps a beverage cold or hot while its screw-type cap with high-quality seal prevents liquid from spilling, even if the container tilts. The tumbler's stylish design is coated with beautiful lustrous lacquer and adorned with traditional Japanese patterns such as takarazukushi (treasures), namichidori (plovers), choju-giga (caricatures of birds and animals), karakusa (arabesque) among others.
President Naoto Tsuchida said: "We wanted to make lacquerware familiar to people who don't have opportunities to use it. Karakusa means prosperity and longevity, and namichidori means happy spouses and a wish for good luck. So, it can be a perfect gift."
Amid concerns over global warming, it would be good to carry a nice Japanese bottle of your own to help reduce garbage.
-- Kimino is a writer.
Portable lacquer tumblers are priced from 6,050 yen to 16,500 yen (tax included) and umbrella bottles are priced from 5,500 yen to 6,600 yen (tax included). All hold 300 milliliters.
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