Kiso Lacquerware Chopsticks - Black Chinkin, Tapered (Engravable)
These elegant chopsticks feature a black chinkin design with a tapered shape and offer personalization options. Expertly crafted by artisans skilled in kiso lacquerware, they embody traditional Japanese craftsmanship.
Chinkin (沈金), meaning "sunken gold," is a traditional Japanese technique used to decorate lacquerware. The process involves:
- Engraving: Artisans carve intricate patterns into the lacquer surface with specialized tools.
- Applying Gold or Metal Leaf: Gold powder, leaf, or other metallic powders like silver or platinum are carefully pressed into the carved grooves.
- Sealing: The surface is polished and sealed, ensuring both durability and a luxurious finish.
This technique is celebrated for its refined elegance, often showcasing floral or geometric patterns that stand out beautifully against a glossy black or deep red lacquer base. Chinkin represents the pinnacle of Japanese craftsmanship and is prized in premium items like trays, bowls, and decorative chopsticks.
About the Production Area: Kiso Lacquerware
Kiso lacquerware thrives on the abundant availability of Kiso hinoki (Japanese cypress), which serves as the primary material for its woodwork. During the Edo period, it flourished under the generous patronage of the Owari Tokugawa clan. The discovery of sabitsuchi (iron-rich clay) during the Meiji period further enhanced the durability of Kiso lacquerware.
Chopsticks made from Kiso hinoki are lightweight and strengthened through meticulous lacquer application, resulting in highly durable products. These chopsticks, while simple in appearance, are exceptionally sturdy and practical, embodying the essence of traditional craftsmanship.