Handcrafted saucer, diameter: 4.8inch (12.2cm)
Traditional Yamanaka Nuri lacquer craft

These Chataku are named after Tamakaji Zoukoku, the creator of the lacquering technique in Kagawa prefecture. ZOUKOKU NURI is a technique in which several coats of lacquer are applied and then powdered Makomo (straw mats), which grow in clusters in rivers and ponds, are sprinkled on top of the lacquer, which gives the piece a characteristic depth as it ages.

These Chataku combine the technique of ZOUKOKU Nuri, in which lacquer is applied over and over again, with the traditional skills of Yamanaka Nuri, in which the beauty of the grain of the wood is brought to life.

Powdered Makomo is not used on these Chataku. These Chataku have a rough appearance created using a traditional Yamanaka Nuri lacquerware technique known as KASHOKU BIKI, in which the wood is fixed to a ROKURO wheel and scraped with a plane or small knife to create an uneven pattern.

The matt and glossy lacquer is applied over and over again, giving the swirled, craggy surface a depth of color. These Chataku are made from only natural wood and lacquer material grown in the local area and crafted by traditional techniques passed down for many generations. Tochi wood (of the Beech tree family) is used for these.

As someone with a love of Japanese tea and tea ware, you have probably noticed that many shops sell a wide variety of cheap lacquer ware, usually made outside Japan with low quality material such as plastic. Our Chataku are true lacquer ware made in Japan of natural wood and lacquer, following a time-honored traditional process by skilled artisan. One of the special aspects of true lacquer ware is that it gains a beautiful patina over time and through repeated use.

These Chataku match perfectly with white teacups.

Specially packaged in a special carton box.
Made in Japan.