Chopsticks / Choshitsu / 1
Before you buy
The Suigenkyo Online Store carries handmade works by artisans from all over Japan.
Please note that the design, etc. may differ slightly from the photo due to the handmade nature of the product.
Please be aware that there may be a delay in reflecting the inventory of one-of-a-kind items because they are also sold by the artisans, and they may be out of stock. In such cases, we will cancel your order.
Shipping
- Orders over $150 qualify for free shipping.
- Orders under $150 will incur a shipping fee, which is automatically calculated at checkout.
Customs and VAT
- Please be aware that customs duties and VAT may apply at the time of delivery.
- The customer is responsible for the payment of any customs duties and VAT.
- Customs duties and VAT are non-refundable.
※It would be appreciated if you could check the customs duties in advance on your country's customs website.
Delivery Services
- Japan Post
- DHL
Delivery Time
- If the item is in stock, it will be dispatched within approximately one week.
- If the item is out of stock, the production time varies depending on the product. Please check the Delivery Date in the Material & Caution section of the product description.
Last updated: 9/3/2024
Product Description
Product Story
General Product Information
These chopsticks are made using a technique called Choshitsu.
Choshitsu is the process of carving the surface of lacquer over and over again to create beautiful patterns. The characteristic of Kagawa's Choshitsu is that colored lacquer is applied and carved in layers. For example, red lacquer is applied 30 times, green lacquer 30 times, and so on, and the surface is carved down to the desired color layer. This is the technique that makes the best use of the characteristics of lacquer among the lacquer painting techniques. It is also widely used for interior decoration.
Product History
When did these crafts start to craft?：400 years ago / 1600AD / Edo period in Japan
"Kagawa Shikki" was developed in the Edo period under the rule of the feudal lord of Takamatsu who had a deep appreciation for both culture and the arts. In particular, it was the artistic achievements of Tamakaji Zokoku (1806-1869) which established a strong foundation for the development of an arts industry in Kagawa. Tamakaji Zokoku went to Kyoto in his early twenties and was blessed with many opportunities to study different art forms under different famed professionals. These included calligraphy, painting, and lacquering, an artistic practice originating in China and visible only in famous Japanese temples and shrines. Zokoku eventually developed these Chinese lacquerware techniques into his own original form. The five lacquerware techniques established by Zokoku, "kinma", "zonsei","chositsu",'gotonuri", and "zokokunuri" have successfully been preserved to this day and in 1978 they were designated as traditional Japanese handicrafts by the national government marking the first entry from Shikoku Island. Efforts to train young artisans and preserve these traditional techniques are actively being made with the Kagawa Prefectural Urushi Lacquerware Institute and Takamatsu Kogei Senior High School also exploring new ways of utilizing lacquer.
Craftsman Story
Craftsman Profile
Nakata Lacquerware Studio
We are a workshop located in Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture, and for over 80 years, starting from our grandfather's generation, we have been crafting products from wood and lacquer. From lacquerware such as chopsticks and plates to lacquered furniture like benches and tables, everything is made in-house. At Nakata Lacquerware Studio, we focus on creating practical designs that make the most of the materials we use. The texture of lacquerware changes and evolves the more it is used, gradually blending into your hands and daily lifestyle.
Craftsman Passion
Bringing Lacquer into Daily Life
Each of our pieces is carefully crafted using natural lacquer, highlighting the unique characteristics of the materials. Lacquerware is something that becomes more enjoyable as it ages, with its appearance evolving the more it is used. By incorporating lacquerware into your daily life, you can nurture and experience the true beauty of these products over time.
Your Contribution to Craftsman
Customer Voice
Due to the market structure (link for full articles are attached bottom), craftsman have not known who the customer is and how customer reacts to their work. We made a “Message to Craftsman” box at purchase page. We will deliver all message to every craftsman. Our review will be also shared to craftsman so please leave your comment and evaluation on review section!
Income for Craftsman: Craftsman get only less than 10% of selling price?
As written above, craftsman have not controlled last phase of sales channel that resulting in selling price is set by third-party without craftsman’s recognition. There are some cases that only less than 10% of selling price is given to craftsman. We promise with our customer / craftsman that we offer the fair trade with craftsmen in our contract!
We made an article about above problem and our challenge. Please have a read from below link.
Current state of the Crafts Market / Benefits brought by Suigenkyo
Measurement
Length : 22cm
Material & Caution
Materials
Bamboo
Lacquer
Caution
If we do not have the product in stock, it will take a month to produce.
