Palillos / zonsei / 1

These chopsticks are made using a technique called Zonsei.

The Zonsei technique originated in Southeast Asia, moved to China, and was introduced to Japan in the mid-Muromachi period (1336-1573). It is a technique of painting a picture in colored lacquer on a black, red, or yellow lacquer surface, carving the outline and main part of the lacquer picture in lines, and finishing the details in hairline carving. It is popular as furnishings and household items such as bunko, tea chests, and round trays.

Length : 22cm

Bamboo
Lacquer

LACQUER STUDIO NAKATA

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.

ARTISAN STORY

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.

KAGAWA SHIKKI / KAGAWA LACQUERWARE

About 200 years ago / 1800s / Edo Period (1603–1868)

Kagawa lacquerware took shape in the late Edo period under the patronage of the Takamatsu domain, when Tamakaji Zokoku studied lacquer traditions associated with China and Southeast Asia and developed local approaches to techniques such as kinma, zonsei and carved lacquer. Takamatsu became known for richly patterned lacquer using carving and colored layers.

In Japan, Kagawa lacquer stands apart from simple black or vermilion ware because color often appears inside incised lines and carved surfaces. Trays, confectionery boxes and containers remain important, while the same methods now appear in jewelry and small interior objects.

Kinma is especially distinctive: after building a lacquer surface, the artisan cuts a design into it and fills those cuts with contrasting colored lacquer. Instead of adding a painted image to the surface, the maker removes part of a finished surface and then returns color to the void—a reversal that unites engraving and lacquer.

Individual Differences

As each piece is individually handcrafted, slight variations in color, pattern, shape, and texture may occur. These subtle differences are a natural characteristic of handcrafted works, making each piece truly unique. We hope you will enjoy these individual variations as part of the beauty and character of Japanese craftsmanship.

Production Time

If an item is not currently in stock, it may be made to order by the artisan. As each piece is carefully handcrafted, production may take several months depending on the item and the artisan's schedule. We appreciate your patience and understanding.