Explore the Hidehira-nuri collection
Hiraizumi Chopsticks 223mm
Hiraizumi Chopsticks 223mm
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Why this set
This pattern carries the name Hiraizumi itself, the Iwate town where Hidehira-nuri began. The set comes as two pairs, one black and one bengara (a red ochre), each finished with gold at the handle. The look is quieter than the fully gilded pieces in the range, equally at home on a weekday table or wrapped as a gift.
The pattern
Hidehira-nuri is built on gold worked by hand over a lacquer ground, alongside painted motifs drawn from Hiraizumi's Heian-era culture. Here that work sits at the head of each chopstick, where gold diamonds are set around a dark cross and carry on around the curve. A fine red line marks where the two lacquers meet. The black pair takes a bengara head, the bengara pair a black one. Each pair is shaped from malas, a dense hardwood, before the lacquer is built up by hand.
The workshop
Marusan Shikki has made Hidehira-nuri lacquerware in Ichinoseki, Iwate, since 1904 and is now in its fifth generation. Wood-turning, undercoating and lacquer work all happen under one roof, through to the final finish.
What to know before you buy
As with any urushi lacquerware, wash by hand in lukewarm water with a mild detergent, and keep it away from the microwave and dishwasher. For the first two to three months, start with lukewarm rather than very hot food or drink so the lacquer settles in gradually. Dry with a soft cloth, skip long soaking, and store away from direct sunlight.
Details
223mm per chopstick, two pairs to a set. Ships from Japan via DHL with tracking; in stock, usually within about a week.
If a quieter pair suits your table, you can place an order below. Have a question about care or sizing first? Send us a message; the two of us read and reply to each one personally.
Specifications
Specifications
- Category: Cutlery
- Type: Chopsticks
- Material: Malas wood, urushi lacquer in black and bengara (red-ochre), with gold decoration
- Technique: Hidehira-nuri
- Size: 223mm (length)
Heritage & Credentials
Heritage & Credentials
Hidehira-nuri carries a documented history and an official craft designation.
- In 1985, Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry designated Hidehira-nuri itself — not any one workshop or product — a Traditional Craft (伝統的工芸品).
- Tradition links its origins to the late Heian period, with accounts describing lacquer artisans from Kyoto working in the Hiraizumi area.
- Rooted in the Hiraizumi area of Iwate, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- The traditional specification for Hidehira-nuri begins with hon-kataji, a lacquer ground built up in layers with cloth reinforcement before colour is applied.
Care & Notice
Care & Notice
This is handmade Hidehira-nuri lacquerware. A little care keeps it in daily use for years.
- Wash by hand in lukewarm water with a mild detergent. Skip abrasive sponges, the microwave, and the dishwasher.
- For the first two to three months of use, start with lukewarm rather than very hot food or drink, so the lacquer settles in gradually.
- Avoid long soaking in water.
- Dry with a soft cloth after washing, rather than air-drying.
- Store away from direct sunlight.
About Shipping
About Shipping
Every piece ships from Japan.
- We ship to the UK, the EU and Switzerland, via DHL, with tracking included.
- This sale is made under DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) terms. If import duty applies, it's billed directly to Toramonten, not to you.
- Customs authorities may contact the recipient directly, and we can't say in advance which orders this might affect.
- This piece is in stock and ships within about a week of your order.
About the workshop
About the workshop
