Explore the Hidehira-nuri collection
Kin-gumo Chopsticks — a matched pair for two, finished in gold leaf
Kin-gumo Chopsticks — a matched pair for two, finished in gold leaf
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Why this set
These are meoto-bashi, a matched pair of chopsticks made for two people at one table, or to give complete as a gift. In Japanese, hashi (chopsticks) and hashi (bridge) share the same sound, so a set like this often carries a small wish for connection between people. The set holds two pairs, one finished in black and one in a deep red, and both carry kin-gumo, an all-gold cloud pattern in lacquer along the upper section.
The pattern
Hidehira-nuri is a lacquer tradition that began near Hiraizumi in Iwate, built on gold leaf worked by hand over a lacquer ground. Kin-gumo uses that gold leaf for the whole cloud motif. Each pair starts as asunaro (hiba) wood, shaped before the lacquer and gold leaf go on.
The workshop
Marusan Shikki has worked in lacquer in Ichinoseki since 1904 and is now in its fifth generation. It is the only Hidehira-nuri workshop that still carries every stage — wood-turning, undercoating, lacquer painting and the final gold leaf — under its own roof.
What to know before you buy
These are lacquerware, not everyday plastic chopsticks, and they ask a little more care in return. Wash them by hand in lukewarm water and dry them straight away with a soft cloth. Skip the microwave, the dishwasher and long soaks in the sink, and avoid scrubbing the lacquer with anything abrasive. The gold leaf sits on the surface, so it needs gentle handling. Treated this way, a pair like this can last for years.
Details
Each chopstick measures approximately 223mm; two pairs per set, one black and one deep red. In stock, and ships from Japan via DHL with tracking within about a week.
If this matched pair feels right for your table, or as a gift, you can place an order below. Questions about care or sizing? Write to us; we read and answer every message ourselves.
Specificaties
Specificaties
- Category: Cutlery
- Type: Chopsticks
- Quantity: sold as a set of two pairs (one black, one deep red)
- Material: Asunaro (hiba) wood, urushi lacquer, gold leaf
- Technique: Hidehira-nuri
- Size: approx. 223mm (length)
Heritage & Credentials
Heritage & Credentials
Hidehira-nuri carries a documented history and an official craft designation.
- Designated a Traditional Craft (伝統的工芸品) by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in 1985.
- Traces to the late Heian period, when Fujiwara no Hidehira brought lacquer craftsmen from Kyoto to what is now Iwate.
- Rooted in the Hiraizumi area of Iwate, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Verzorging & aandachtspunten
Verzorging & aandachtspunten
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.
Over verzending
Over verzending
Every piece ships from Japan.
- We ship to the UK and the EU, 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.
Over de werkplaats
Over de werkplaats
