These elegant chopsticks feature a base of ironwood, adorned with Kyoto Nishijin-ori foil on the handle, creating a glamorous and sophisticated design. They are highly praised both as gifts for special occasions and for personal use at home. For those who have previously been put off by the plain appearance of wooden chopsticks, these are the perfect solution. With their chic, dazzling black base, they offer a refined yet luxurious aesthetic.
About the Region - Foil-Decorated Chopsticks
These chopsticks are an original creation from Ginza Natsuno, combining the art of Kyoto’s Nishijin-ori foil with the traditional craft of wooden chopsticks from the Kanto region. The process of applying decorative foil patterns, known as moyou-haku, involves the use of gold, silver, colored foils, mother-of-pearl, and lacquer. The fusion of Nishijin’s traditional craftsmanship with the expertise of wooden chopstick artisans has resulted in a truly unique piece. These multi-faceted, geometrically designed chopsticks, which combine both elegance and flair, are particularly popular due to their ability to achieve a harmonious balance of form and decoration—something that was once thought to be difficult with lacquered chopsticks.
Material - Ironwood
As the name suggests, ironwood is a tough, durable wood that contains polyphenols, which are believed to have antibacterial and preservative qualities. Highly valued in Europe and the U.S. for its longevity, ironwood is regarded as a material that can withstand the test of time, with a lifespan of over a hundred years. It is well-suited for carving and is a popular choice for octagonal chopsticks, with a variety of shapes available. Ironwood is an excellent introduction to fine wooden chopsticks, offering both practicality and beauty.
