WAKASA Lacquerware Couple Chopsticks- Kai Zakura

Japanese Traditional Craft

Wakasa Lacquerware Chopsticks - Kai Zakura (cherry blossom shells)

Couples chopsticks of cherry blossom pattern with raden decoration in a paulownia wooden box, perfect for a wedding gift or wedding anniversary.

Cherry blossoms or sakura have long been a beloved symbol of Japan. The overwhelming sight of cherry blossoms in full bloom after a long cold winter brings the joy of spring. Cherry blossoms symbolizes" the beginning and end"  as the school year ends in March and the beginning of the school year starts in April, -when they start to bloom. They are also associated with encounters and farewells, and as cherry blossoms are short-lived and their petals wither quickly but beautifully, it is said to be a metaphor of life itself.

Raden is a decorative technique mainly used for traditional crafts such as lacquerware, where "ra" means shell and "den" means to encrust.  Raden uses the inner layer of a shellfish (usually  luminous shells, white/black butterfly shells, abalone, or oysters) that are cut out, flattened into a plate-like shape, and inlaid into the lacquer or carved wooden base.

Please add a furoshiki if you are thinking of purchasing as a gift.
For more details, see here.

PRODUCT DETAIL

Quantity: Set of two pairs of chopsticks
Size:  Black 23cm/ Vermilion 21cm 
Material:  Wood
Coating: Pure lacquer (chopstick tips) 
Origin: Wakasa, Fukui (Japan)  

Please hand wash with a neutral detergent and a soft sponge, and refrain from using a dishwasher.