History of Aizu lacquered ware
To this day, there are still lacquered Buddhist altar fittings and Buddha images from the Heian period of Japan in Aizu, and it tells us that the art of Aizu lacquer ware was already at an advanced stage even at this time.
Full production of Aizu lacquer ware started after Ujisato Gamou became lord of Aizu in 1590 (Tensho 18). Ujisato took some of the best woodworkers and lacquer craftsmen from his previous charge of Oumi (current Shiga prefecture), Hino, and with Yoshikawa-Izumi-no-kami as the leader of the group, he set about establishing lacquer production in Aizu.
During the Edo period, the lacquer industry in Aizu continued to grow thanks to characters such as Masayuki Hoshina (the first leader of the domain of Aizu as it was established in the Edo period) who protected lacquer trees. Harunaka Tanaka, the chief retainer of Katanobu Matsudaira (the fifth leader of the domain of Aizu) invited Touzou Kimura, a gold lacquer craftsman from Kyoto, to introduce this new technique to the Aizu area. With Aizu lacquer ware being exported to China and Holland from the port of Nagasaki, the Aizu lacquer industry became very prosperous.
The Aizu lacquer ware industry nearly died during the Boshin war, but thanks to the support from the newly formed Meiji government, survived and continued to improve and develop as a skill. Aizu is now one of the centres of lacquer ware production in Japan with many different types of products from tableware, flower vases, writing materials, tea sets and Buddhist altar fittings and many more.
Product lists
- Catalogue number
- Red:21-19-12
Black:21-19-13 - Product name
- Wood, jewllery box with built in music box, Purple orchid design
- Product details
- A small music box ideal for storing jewellery and other small objects. Aizu is particularly famous for this type of lacquer ware product and it is very popular as a gift.
- Size (cm)
- width x length x height
15.3 x 9.2 x 7.5 - price (yen)
- 11,000yen
- Catalogue number
- 17-126-1
- Product name
- Mother of pearl with Negoro lacquer painting base, Akebono pair chopsticks, top quality
- Product details
- Using a very special polishing process representative of Aizu lacquer ware, these chopsticks (a special his and hers pair) are very durable and of the highest quality. The pinnacle of fine dining!
- Size (cm)
- width x length x height
0.9 x 0.9 x 22.5 - price (yen)
- 21,000yen
- Catalogue number
- 21-88-5
- Product name
- Chopsticks, Ginma, Black, Top quality
- Product details
- One of Aizu lacquer ware’s most famous traditional crafts, these chopsticks are both durable and luxurious.
- Size (cm)
- width x length x height
0.9 x 0.9 x 22.5 - price (yen)
- 6,600yen
- Catalogue number
- 17-126-3
- Product name
- Chopsticks, Rusty Plum, Black, Top quality
- Product details
- One of Aizu lacquer ware’s most famous traditional crafts, this type of lacquer painting gives these chopsticks elegance and a refined feel.
- Size (cm)
- width x length x height
0.9 x 0.9 x 22.5 - price (yen)
- 10,500yen
- Catalogue number
- 17-126-4
- Product name
- Chopsticks, Ginma, Red, Top quality
- Product details
- One of Aizu lacquer ware’s most famous traditional crafts, this type of lacquer painting gives these chopsticks elegance and a refined feel.
- Size (cm)
- width x length x height
0.9 x 0.9 x 22.5 - price (yen)
- 10,500yen
- Catalogue number
- 17-126-5
- Product name
- Chopsticks, Ginma, Green, Top quality
- Product details
- One of Aizu lacquer ware’s most famous traditional crafts, the green copper colour give this piece a unique elegance and luxury.
- Size (cm)
- width x length x height
0.9 x 0.9 x 22.5 - price (yen)
- 10,500yen
- Catalogue number
- 17-126-6
- Product name
- Chopsticks, Red, No pattern, Top quality
- Product details
- The very special polishing process representative of Aizu lacquer ware gives these chopsticks a highly refined and beautiful finish.
- Size (cm)
- width x length x height
0.9 x 0.9 x 22.5 - price (yen)
- 6,825yen
- Catalogue number
- 17-126-7
- Product name
- Chopsticks, Black, No pattern, Top quality
- Product details
- The very special polishing process representative of Aizu lacquer ware gives these chopsticks a highly refined and beautiful finish.
- Size (cm)
- width x length x height
0.9 x 0.9 x 22.5 - price (yen)
- 6,825yen
- Catalogue number
- 21-103-6
- Product name
- Lacquer ware pair glass set, Shaded pattern Japanese shot glass
- Product details
- Bringing together both East and West in this subtle combination of culture and tradition, these glasses have come to represent the new development in Aizu lacquer ware and are proving very popular. Suitable for drinking just about anything in small quantities as well as for ornamental purposes.
- Size (cm)
- diameter x height
Φ7.3 x 8 - price (yen)
- 7,040yen
- Catalogue number
- 21-103-5A
- Product name
- Lacquer ware glass, Black and Red, Japanese Sake glass
- Product details
- This beautiful lacquer glass is ideal for drinking beer or sake.
- Size (cm)
- diameter x height
Φ6.3 x 9.7 - price (yen)
- 3,410yen
- Catalogue number
- 21-103-5B
- Product name
- Lacquer ware glass, Red, Japanese Sake glass
- Product details
- This beautiful lacquer glass is ideal for drinking beer or sake.
- Size (cm)
- diameter x height
Φ6.3 x 9.7 - price (yen)
- 3,410yen
- Catalogue number
- 21-104-2A
- Product name
- Lacquer ware glass, Black and Red, Japanese shot glass, Baby’s-breath flower design
- Product details
- This beautiful lacquer glass is coloured using traditional Aizu lacquer colouring techniques and is an ideal wine glass.
- Size (cm)
- diameter x height
Φ7.3 x 8 - price (yen)
- 6,050yen
- Catalogue number
- 21-104-2B
- Product name
- Lacquer ware glass, Red, Japanese shot glass, Baby’s-breath flower design
- Product details
- This beautiful lacquer glass is coloured using traditional Aizu lacquer colouring techniques and is an ideal wine glass.
- Size (cm)
- diameter x height
Φ7.3 x 8 - price (yen)
- 6,050yen
- Catalogue number
- 21-104-3A
- Product name
- Lacquer ware glass, Black and Red, Japanese shot glass, Cherry blossom design
- Product details
- This beautiful lacquer glass is coloured using traditional Aizu lacquer colouring techniques and is an ideal wine glass.
- Size (cm)
- diameter x height
Φ7.3 x 8 - price (yen)
- 6,050yen
- Catalogue number
- 21-104-3B
- Product name
- Lacquer ware glass, Red, Japanese shot glass, Cherry blossom design
- Product details
- This beautiful lacquer glass is coloured using traditional Aizu lacquer colouring techniques and is an ideal wine glass.
- Size (cm)
- diameter x height
Φ7.3 x 8 - price (yen)
- 6,050yen
- Catalogue number
- 21-104-6A
- Product name
- Lacquer ware glass, Black and Red, Japanese shot glass, engraved
- Product details
- This lacquer ware glass has a carved out design to give it a special feel. It is the perfect partner for your favourite drink, be it eastern or western.
- Size (cm)
- diameter x height
Φ7.3 x 8 - price (yen)
- 6,380yen
- Catalogue number
- 21-104-6B
- Product name
- Lacquer ware glass, Red, Japanese shot glass, engraved
- Product details
- This lacquer ware glass has a carved out design to give it a special feel. It is the perfect partner for your favourite drink, be it eastern or western.
- Size (cm)
- diameter x height
Φ7.3 x 8 - price (yen)
- 6,380yen
- Catalogue number
- 21-104-8A
- Product name
- Lacquer ware glass, Black, Large glass, engraved
- Product details
- This lacquer ware glass has a carved out design to give it a special feel. It is the perfect partner for your favourite drink, be it eastern or western.
- Size (cm)
- diameter x height
Φ7.6 x 14.5 - price (yen)
- 6,050yen
- Catalogue number
- 21-104-8B
- Product name
- Lacquer ware glass, Red, Large galss, engraved
- Product details
- This lacquer ware glass has a carved out design to give it a special feel. It is the perfect partner for your favourite drink, be it eastern or western.
- Size (cm)
- diameter x height
Φ7.6 x 14.5 - price (yen)
- 6,050yen
Example of use
Need a glass that you can use every day but always looks special? There’s nothing like a beer from the perfect lacquer glass!
How about your very own personal pair of beautiful chopsticks?
Lacquer ware chopsticks are so easy to use and they never slip!
The cute cat designs give this beautiful lacquer glass a playful feel.
Very popular with the kids but equally popular for adults who likes cats!
Regarding settlement and delivery
About delivery
All overseas shipments are sent by EMS. All shipment costs and related charges are the responsibility of the purchaser.
Shipment costs and related charges are not calculated automatically, but will be sent to you separately after you have completed your order.
*only the actual cost of shipments is charged.
Please see below for a cost chart
http://www.post.japanpost.jp/int/charge/list/ems_all_en.html
About method of payment
Please pay via one of the following ways: PayPal, credit card, bank transfer.
Bank information for bank transfer
Swiftcode: TOHOJPJT
Bank name: Toho Bank (Bank code: 0126)
Branch name: Aizu Branch (branch code: 401)
Type of account: Current Account
Account number: 2186600
Name of account: Takahashi Shouten Corporation, Representative director Masakatsu Takahashi
Please note there is a remittance charge
About time of delivery
Once settlement has been confirmed, we will ship your goods in around 7-10 days
Please note that there is a slight difference in the time of delivery depending on the destination
About customs etc
http://www.post.japanpost.jp/int/deli_days/ems/tohoku_en.html
About customs duties
In some cases, extra costs outside of our control may arise such as customs duties. Please note that you the customer are liable for these costs.
Customs costs differ according to the country of delivery.
Cancellations
Please note cancellations will not be accepted once the product has been shipped.
About damaged goods
If you find your product is damaged in any way on arrival, please contact us within 5 days and we will happily replace the product.
*we ask that you complete a special report as prescribed by our company in this situation.
Looking after your lacquer ware
Forever by your side
1
A little bit of dirt can be removed by lightly washing in lukewarm water.
Water should be about 40 degrees centigrade, about the same as a warm bath. The dirt should come off quite easily and smoothly.
* lacquer ware is naturally antibacterial
2
For oily stains you can use regular dishwashing liquid. Please dilute the dishwashing liquid and use a soft sponge or cloth to gently wash off the dirt.
3
After draining off the water, please wipe with a soft cloth before it dries. This way, you won’t be left with any unwanted water marks. Any soft cloth is ok for use but we recommend you use a soft cotton cloth is available.
4
The most annoying type of food stain is usually caused by sticky rice. If you ever encounter this, please fill your lacquer bowl to the brim with warm water for about 10 min, then follow the procedure in 2 and 3 as the rice comes floating off.
5
Are you worried about finger prints all over your lacquer ware? If you handle it after washing your hands with soap, this shouldn’t be a problem and if there are any marks, just lightly wash it off with water and follow the procedure in 3.
6
For items such as bowls used on a daily basis, you can store them stacked with your other dishes in the cupboard. For special items, wrap in tissues or place in boxes for safe keeping and to avoid any unwanted scratches.
7
For really special items you only plan to use once or twice a year, please wrap in soft paper or cloth, place in a box and store in a place that isn’t too dry.
8
CAUTION!
Please avoid the actions below as it can cause scratches or damage.
Boiling, soaking in water for long periods of time, washing together with other sharp objects
Using a steel (or other metal) scrubbing brush, using a hard scrubbing brush of any sort
Using a dishwasher or dish dryer, using a dish warmer
Using in a microwave, using in an oven
9
SPECIAL REQUEST
Recently, there have been many cases of damage caused by the use of microwaves. There may be no visible damage after using your lacquer ware items in the microwave once or twice, but as lacquer ware items are made of wood, and are therefore organic matter, repeated use in a microwave is just like cooking it slowly for hours. By repeating this action, you are slowly destroying your precious lacquer ware item and the effects will suddenly show after several uses. Please avoid using your item in the microwave at all costs!
Contact Us
| Head Office | TAKAHASHI SHOUTEN |
|---|---|
| Address | 〒965-0055 11-76 Ishidou-machi, Aizuwakamatsu-shi, Fukushima-ken, Japan |
| TEL | (81) 0242-25-0660 |
| FAX | (81) 0242-22-0134 |