ISSOU ～Chopsticks with a 400-year history from Obama, Japan～

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Wakasa-nuri (lacquered) chopsticks from the Obama/Wakasa Bay area in Fukui Prefecture. More than an incredible 80% of the lacquered chopsticks in Japan are made here. Sometimes called "jewel-lacquer", Wakasa-nuri's unique style is crafted using shells, eggshells、etc., which represent the beauty of the seabed. With history, techniques and ingenuity inherited from Wakasa-nuri, lacquered chopsticks are not only a symbol of preserving tradition, they are also important lifestyle items that are made for the purpose of everyday dining.

ISSOU ～Chopsticks with a 400-year history from Obama, Japan～

Experience the very essence of chopsticks made by craftsmen who don't know the meaning of the word "compromise".
Wakasa-Nuri Chopsticks

In Obama, a city famed for its chopsticks, there are only 4 people who are acknowledged to be traditional industrial craftsmen by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry--craftsmen who make only the highest quality Wakasa-nuri chopsticks. Using shells, eggshells, etc., and patterned with a polished finish, these traditional chopsticks are still crafted in the same way as in days gone by, making them a true gem.
When applied to chopsticks Wakasa-nuri will never create the same pattern.
Whilst being used, the opacity of lacquer changes. The unique result adds extra appeal to a meal enjoyed with these chopsticks.
Bringing you only the very best quality of chopsticks for all your mealtimes.
Crafted in the same, traditional style as they were 400 years ago,

Old Wakasa-Nuri Chopsticks, Seaside Rain [20.5cm]	Old Wakasa-Nuri Chopsticks, Golden Pine [20.5cm]	Old Wakasa-Nuri Chopsticks, Mars [23cm]

JPY 20,450	JPY 20,450	JPY 20,450

See All Wakasa-Nuri Chopsticks HERE

Layer upon layer of lacquer are crafted by artisans and finished with a polishing technique called "migakidashi".The process of applying lacquer and letting it dry is repeated many, many times, until the craftsman is fully satisfied with the results. In total, this process takes up to around one and a half years.

1. Wipe-Lacquer

2. Nakanuri

3. Patterned

4. Mixed Lacquer 1

5. Mixed Lacquer 2

6. Mixed Lacquer 3

7. Leaf Wrapped

8. Leaf Printed

9. Layered

10. Layered

11. Layered

12. Stone Polished

13. Charcoal Polished

14. Powder Polished Base

15. Powder Polished Angles

16. Honshiage

Yayoi Period (300 BC to 300 AD)	It is said that chopsticks came over to Japan from China toward the end of the Yayoi period. At the time, chopsticks were made from a piece of finely whittled bamboo and doubled over, producing an appearance like that of forceps. Furthermore, chopsticks could only be used by a god or an emperor. As for everyday folk, they ate meals with their hands.
Asuka Period (592 to 710)	Prince Shōtoku Taishi was sent to China during the time of the Sui Dynasty as Japan's envoy and brought back home with him knowledge of how to prepare Chinese food. Chopsticks then started to be used for everyday meals amongst noblemen.
Nara Period (710 to 784)	From around this period, pairs of individually chopsticks came into use, instead of the previously-used doubled over chopsticks. Also, normal people started to use chopsticks by carving them from pieces of bamboo and other wood.
Kamakura Period (1192 to 1334)	From around this time, the Japanese tradition of only using chopsticks at mealtimes came about.

Muromachi Period (1334 to 1596)	Around this period, the shape of Japanese food supposedly changed, in order to make it easier to eat using chopsticks.
Edo Period (1597 to 1868)	Lacquer chopsticks emerged. They became popular and spread around the country through eating and drinking establishments. Wakasa-nuri also came about during this era. In the Edo period, lacquer ware production areas were established throughout the whole of Japan, creating a diverse variety of lacquered chopsticks.
Showa Period, 10th Year (1935)	From Yoshino, Nara Prefecture, disposable chopsticks called "waribashi" came into use. Also in this period chopsticks were used as a central part of a child's upbringing. Children were taught the discipline of handling chopsticks correctly.
Showa Period, 30th Year (1955)	Efficient industrial lacquering and painting was developed. It was now possible to produce lacquered chopsticks in much larger volume, allowing Wakasa-nuri to increase its share in the market.


Tsugaru-Nuri Chopsticks Tsugaru-nuri is a lacquer style from the northern tip of Japan's main island. With a certain deep tranquility that tells of the uncompromising attitude that produced these pieces. Nanako-nuri is based on the traditional kara-nuri lacquer style, and given a twist with designs suited to modern living spaces.	Wajima-Nuri Chopsticks Wajima-nuri lacquer has a beautiful texture and finish, due to the hard core created by the layered lacquer.	Wakasa-Nuri Chopsticks （w/Polished Shell) People have always been entranced by the sparkle of abalone shells. There is a certain romance about shellfish sparkling deep in the sea, and here that romance is given form in mother-of-pearl.
Tsugaru-Nuri Ice Flower Chopsticks, Red [20.5cm]	Wajima-Nuri Chopsticks, Yoimachizuki [22.5cm]	Shell/Mother-of-Pearl Chopsticks, Starry Night [23cm]

JPY 8,000	JPY 1,950	JPY 2,950
Tsugaru-Nuri Chopsticks Thin Clouds [23cm]	Wajima-Nuri Chopsticks, Pine [21.5cm]	Shell/Mother-of-Pearl Chopsticks, Helwingia [21cm]

JPY 5,450	JPY 1,650	JPY 2,450

Ikigara Chopsticks

Style varies with era. These chopsticks have been used as a canvas on which to present a style that matches today's lifestyle.

Ikigara Chopsticks, Evening Sun [20.5cm]

Ikigara Chopsticks, Band Chopsticks, Madder Red [23cm]

Ikigara Chopsticks, Evening Sun [20.5cm]

Ikigara Chopsticks, Band Chopsticks, Madder Red [23cm]

JPY 1,950

Kihada Chopsticks, Droplets [23cm]

Kihada Chopsticks, Chinese Pattern [21cm]

Kihada Chopsticks

With Kihada chopsticks, you'll be able to feel the warmth of the trees on your fingertips.

Kihada Chopsticks, Chinese Pattern [21cm]

JPY 2,950

JPY 2,250

Nishijin Woven Chopsticks

A combination of weave and lacquer. Designed to embody the Japanese spirit of hospitality.

Nishijin Brocade Chopsticks, Cherry Blossoms [23cm]

Nishijin Brocade Chopsticks, Moon [23cm]

Nishijin Brocade Chopsticks, Cherry Blossoms [23cm]

Nishijin Brocade Chopsticks, Moon [23cm]

JPY 2,950

Nishijin Chopstick Bag, Fall Temari

Nishijin Chopstick Bag, Spring Flower Basket

Nishijin Chopstick
Bags

Use this elegant Nishijin chopstick bag for your favorite pair of chopsticks.

Nishijin Chopstick Bag, Spring Flower Basket

JPY 2,450


	In the 11th year of the Kan'ei era (1634) the feudal lord who controlled the Wakasa area gave Wakasa-nuri its name and his whole clan careful protected it. They were deeply attached to their secret and it is even said people were banned from telling other clans about the technique. From the middle to the end of the Edo period was the golden age for Wakasa-nuri. A wide variety of skills were employed including the use of gold and silver leaf, eggshell and shell (Wakasa-nuri's most prominent characteristics), maki-e (the technique of painting on top of lacquer) and many many more. It is said that a total a range of more than 200 different techniques were used.

	Under the Tokugawa shogunate in the Edo period, the virtues of "Shisso Kenyaku" (meaning simplicity and frugality) were revered. Items made with magnificent Wakasa-nuri were used by only a few: some nobility, samurai and wealthy merchant houses. Most preferred simpler items, and this precluded the use of Wakasa-nuri. This is why there are no everyday Wakasa-nuri items such as soup bowls.

See All Issou items HERE