
Wakasa Lacquerware Chopsticks – Misty Blossoms Design (Engravable)
These dishwasher-safe Wakasa lacquerware chopsticks feature the Oboro Blossoms design (large). The rare, metallic-like gradient pattern creates a striking and elegant appearance, perfect for everyday use. In English, "Oboro" (朧) translates to "hazy," "misty," or "dim," evoking a poetic and ethereal quality. It brings to mind soft, dreamlike light or a gentle, indistinct atmosphere, like a hazy moonlit night.
In this design, "Oboro" reflects the delicate and dreamy essence of cherry blossoms, resembling their beauty as seen through a soft haze or mist. The name highlights the chopsticks' refined elegance and their cultural connection to nature's fleeting beauty.
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.