Wakasa Lacquerware Chopsticks – Eight Views Design (Engravable)
These modern chopsticks feature a comfortable hexagonal wooden base, enhanced by a unique speckled lacquer finish on one side. The hexagonal shape extends from the handle to the tips, offering an easy grip and making them perfect for handling slippery foods like noodles.
The tips, known as "Tsuru no Kuchibashi" (crane's beak), are crafted to securely hold even the smallest items and symbolize longevity. Combining practicality, durability, and elegance, these chopsticks are ideal for everyday use and make a thoughtful, timeless gift.
About the Craft: Wakasa Lacquerware
The city of Obama in Fukui Prefecture produces nearly 90% of Japan’s chopsticks, making it a renowned center of traditional craftsmanship. Wakasa lacquerware originated in the early Edo period when artisans in the Obama domain began creating designs inspired by the seafloor. Using materials like eggshell, abalone shell, pine needles, and rapeseed, they recreated the beauty of underwater scenes with a mysterious, artistic charm.
The process involves layering colored lacquer and gold leaf, followed by additional coats of lacquer for a durable, glossy finish. The tips, called “crane beak tips,” are finely tapered for a secure grip on small items and symbolize longevity, making these chopsticks both practical and auspicious. Available in various sizes, they offer both beauty and comfort for daily use.