Chopstick Set / Series No.1

Product Description : Why is it so EXPENSIVE?

Product Story

General Product Information

This product is produced by the only craftsman of Tosa Ancient Lacquer. The characteristic of the "rough texture" of these chopsticks makes them last much longer than ordinary lacquered chopsticks and makes it easier to grasp food.
Because these chopsticks can be used every day, using good quality chopsticks will enrich your mind and make you feel luxurious.
Please enjoy the multiple expressions of lacquerware over the years.

 Product History

When did these crafts start to craft?：50 years ago / 1973AD / Showa period in Japan.

After World War II, while the appearance of plastic had been headwind for traditional crafts industry, Mr. Hachiro Ikeda mastered the ancient Tosa lacquerware technique, which he named "Tosa Ancient Lacquerware". Today, Taiichi Ikeda - his son, is the sole successor. His appearance is glossy, elegant, and dignified. The rough surface of the lacquerware not only gives it a unique character, but also makes it resistant to fingerprints and scratches. It does notrequire troublesome maintenance like other lacquerware.

Craftsman Story

Craftsman Profile

Mirokudo
In the lacquerware industry, while mass-produced synthetic resin products are becoming more widespread and the division of labor is being promoted, the company is not only pursuing efficiency. They are doing all processes by themselves, preserving the traditional methods that require time and patience to this day.

Craftsman Passion

"Even if I am the last one, I will continue"
Today, I am the only one who can produce Tosa Ancient Lacquerware. In pursuit of the original form of elegant and solid lacquerware, the wood and other materials were carefully examined. No other paints were used and dozens of processes were carried out using high-quality lacquer to complete this product. A strong determination to preserve this craft gives meaning to my life.

Achievement

Received the Outstanding Technical Skills Award
Produced a gift for the Emperor of Japan in the past

 

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 : 22.5cm

Material & Caution

Materials

 Wood
Lacquer

 

Caution

Individual Difference

Each piece is handmade, so there are individual differences even in the same series. We hope that you will understand the change by handmade.

Delivery Date

Please note that it will take about 2-3 months for delivery if we do not have the item in stock.

Manufacturing Process

We have not uploaded this craftsman’s video yet, please discover another craftsman’s video from the below link.

YouTube