[On Shizendo Gallery vol 1. Wakasa-nuri Chopsticks] 1. About Wakasa-nuri　

Located in the centre of Kyoto city, we have decided to launch the Shizendo Gallery Project at our flagship store, to introduce our products- Japanese traditional materials- through beautiful traditional handicrafts.

We are honoured to start this project with Wakasa-nuri chopsticks, made in the Wakasa Bay area, Fukui Prefecture, located north of Kyoto.

The techniques to produce these unique patterns have been handed down since the Edo period. However, like many other traditional crafts, handicrafts have been rapidly replaced by machines, and today, with scarce craftspeople, it is hard to find fully handmade Wakasa-nuri chopsticks.

What is Wakasa-nuri?

Let us look into how Wakasa-nuri is crafted. First, the pattern is formed with egg shells, abalone shells, or pine needles. Then the bumpy surface is covered with layers of urushi lacquer and finally, the surface is polished to expose the patterns. Involving over 30 complex processes, a set of Wakasa-nuri chopsticks always has a distinctive and profound presence, with the layers of urushi lacquer resembling the deep, clear, and beautiful Wakasa Bay.

Photo: From the right to the left, the lacquer is layered over and over.

History

Inspired by the beautiful sea bed of Wakasa bay, in the early Edo Period (1596-1615), Sanjuro Matuura, a lacquerware maker in the region started designing and making chopsticks, referring to the lacquerware making introduced by China.

The mid and late Edo Period was the golden age for Wakasa-nuri.
It is said that over 200 types of finishes, including Raden and Makie, were developed.

Materials

As mentioned earlier, the distinctive patterns of Wakasa- nuri are formed by eggshells, abalone shells, or pine needles, all locally sourced. Iro urushi- coloured urushi lacquers- are often used too. On top of the layers of coloured urushi, gold or silver powder is sprinkled. Covering the metallic leaves with another thin layer of urushi makes the leaves shine more gloriously than ever. The solid, bright urushi surface and the shell shapes remind us of the beautiful Wakasa beach.

:Ground abalone shells

Involving countless techniques, tireless effort, and the unique local culture, climate, and history, every Japanese traditional craft is a gem.

Chopsticks are one of the crafts that are relevant and useful in everyday life today. By getting to know the stories behind them and using them with an appreciation for the works of craftspeople, each of us can contribute to succeeding the gem to the next generation.

More importantly, surrounding ourselves with these beautiful things is a great treat for us!

In the next article, we will introduce the last Wakasa-nuri craftsperson.

[On Shizendo Gallery vol 1. Wakasa-nuri Chopsticks] 2. Craftsman Visit