Wakasa Lacquerware Chopsticks - Osmanthus Flower Design (Engravable)
These wooden chopsticks feature a charming floral accent and are a popular choice for personalized gifts, thanks to the custom name engraving option.
The osmanthus flower, known as kinmokusei in Japanese, is a fragrant bloom from the osmanthus tree (Osmanthus fragrans). Widely admired across East Asia, especially in Japan, China, and Korea, it is cherished for its sweet, apricot-like fragrance that fills the air in autumn.
In Japanese culture, the osmanthus flower symbolizes beauty, elegance, and nobility. Its soft golden or orange blossoms are both visually delightful and nostalgic, often associated with the changing seasons. Beyond its use in teas and perfumes, the flower is a beloved motif in art and crafts, adding a touch of refinement to traditional tableware like these chopsticks.
About the Production Area: Wakasa Lacquerware
Obama City, located in Fukui Prefecture, is a major production hub for chopsticks, accounting for nearly 90% of Japan's chopstick production. The origins of Wakasa lacquerware can be traced back to the early Edo period when artisans from the Obama domain began crafting designs inspired by the seafloor.
These chopsticks, made using materials such as eggshells, mother-of-pearl, pine needles, and rapeseed, depict mystical seafloor scenes. Layers of colored lacquer and gold leaf are applied and finished with additional coats of lacquer, resulting in a durable and refined product.
The chopstick tips, known as Tsuruno Kuchibashi ("crane's beak"), are designed to easily pick up even small items and are also considered a symbol of longevity. These chopsticks are not only beautiful but also safe and reliable for everyday use.