Kishū Lacquerware Soup Bowl Set
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Kishū Lacquerware Soup Bowl Set
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Kishū Lacquerware Soup Bowl Set – Tradition, Elegance, and Durability in Every Serving
Experience the artistry of Japanese craftsmanship with this elegant Kishū Lacquerware Soup Bowl Set. Inspired by the historic Negoro-nuri style originating from Negoro-ji Temple in Iwade City, Wakayama, each bowl reflects centuries of tradition and spiritual refinement.
These five matching bowls feature a deep, glossy red tone—evocative of sacred ritual ware—applied using layers of urethane lacquer to ensure durability while maintaining a graceful, authentic finish. Crafted with ABS resin and finished by hand, these bowls honor the original Negoro ware, which gained its distinctive character as the vermilion surface gradually revealed the black undercoat through years of faithful use.
Each bowl measures approximately 4.3 x 3.9 inches (φ11 × H10 cm), and the complete set comes in a gift box sized 12.4 x 9.4 x 3.3 inches (31.5 × 24 × 8.5 cm). Lightweight yet sturdy, this set is ideal for serving miso soup, clear broth, or traditional Japanese side dishes. Whether for daily use or for hosting special guests, these bowls blend refined aesthetics with practical ease, celebrating a timeless balance of form and function.
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Negoro-nuri: The Timeless Beauty of Wear
Among the most distinguished styles of Kishu lacquerware is Negoro-nuri, renowned for its evocative contrast between vermillion red and black. This technique is said to have originated at Negoro-ji Temple in Iwade City, where monks coated everyday utensils with black lacquer over a red foundation.
Through daily use, the surface gradually wore down, allowing the red underlayer to emerge naturally from beneath the black. This unintentional transformation created a nuanced, aged appearance that came to embody wabi-sabi—an appreciation of impermanence and quiet elegance.
Negoro-nuri is characterized by a thick, resilient lacquer surface designed to endure generations of use. As time passes, the visual shift from black to red unfolds subtly, imparting a sense of depth, movement, and spiritual warmth. This graceful aging process is at the heart of Negoro-nuri’s enduring allure.
FAQs
All you need to know about Negoro-nuri Lacquerware.
What makes Negoro-nuri different from other types of Japanese lacquerware?
Negoro-nuri is unique for its layered red-and-black finish. A red undercoat is covered with black lacquer, and over time, natural wear reveals the red beneath. This creates a dynamic, aged look that evolves with use, embodying the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi—beauty in imperfection and impermanence.
Is the red-and-black contrast in Negoro-nuri intentional or accidental?
Originally, the contrast was a result of daily wear—monks at Negoro-ji Temple used these items so frequently that the top black lacquer wore away. Over time, artisans began to refine and replicate this aged effect intentionally, appreciating its quiet elegance and spiritual symbolism.
Is Negoro-nuri lacquerware durable enough for everyday use?
Yes. One of the hallmarks of Negoro-nuri is its durability. The lacquer is applied in thick, resilient layers, making it resistant to moisture and wear. In fact, its evolving appearance is enhanced by regular use, rather than diminished.
What is the historical significance of Negoro-ji Temple in the development of this style?
Negoro-nuri is named after Negoro-ji, a temple in Iwade City, Wakayama Prefecture, where the technique is believed to have originated. Monks there created practical lacquerware that aged beautifully through daily use, inadvertently giving rise to one of Japan’s most poetic lacquer traditions.
How should I care for Negoro-nuri lacquerware to preserve its beauty?
Avoid harsh detergents, extreme heat, and prolonged soaking. Gently hand-wash with mild soap and a soft cloth. With time and careful handling, the piece will develop an even richer patina—part of what makes Negoro-nuri so cherished among collectors and tea practitioners.