[Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture] Shitsurindo's Ichijo Bowl—Elevate your daily dining table with dishwasher-safe genuine lacquer bowls
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"Lacquerware seems difficult to handle," "It's inconvenient because it's not dishwasher safe"—a bowl that overturns such images was born in Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture. Shitsurindo's Echizen Kourushi (Hard Lacquer) Series uses a unique lacquer developed through industry-academia-government collaboration with the University of Fukui, realizing genuine lacquer-coated bowls that can withstand dishwashers. It is a product where the techniques of a production area with a 1,500-year history have evolved to fit modern lifestyles. This article introduces the history of Echizen lacquerware, the characteristics of Shitsurindo, and how to actually use them in detail.
What is Echizen Lacquerware—Japan's largest lacquerware production area with a 1,500-year history
Echizen lacquerware is a traditional craft that has been passed down mainly in Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture. Its origins are said to date back about 1,500 years to the era of Emperor Keitai (early 6th century). It is said that when the prince visited Echizen, he was impressed by the skill of a craftsman who repaired his broken crown with lacquer and ordered, "Spread the making of lacquerware in this land."
Since then, Echizen has developed as the "Capital of Lacquer," and during the Edo period, it spread nationwide as daily utensils for samurai and merchants under the patronage of the Kaga Domain. It was designated as a national traditional craft in 1976, and it is currently the largest lacquerware production area in Japan, with over 300 businesses gathered in the Echizen and Sabae city areas.
The characteristic of Echizen lacquerware lies in the "integrated production system in the production area" where specialized craftsmen are responsible for each process of wood base, undercoating, and top coating. The division of labor system, where craftsmen hone their specialized skills in each process to produce high-quality products as a whole, remains alive and well today.
View "Shitsurindo Echizen Kourushi Ichijo Bowl Pair Set Red/Black 4-sun" on Amazon (¥9,108, currently on time sale)
What is "Echizen Kourushi"—Innovation born from industry-academia-government collaboration with the University of Fukui
Long-known weaknesses of lacquerware include "cannot be used in dishwashers or microwaves" and "vulnerable to dryness." Natural lacquer is originally something that hardens slowly in humidity and cannot withstand the high temperatures and rapid drying of dishwashers. It is such a delicate material that it is said to take 100 years for lacquer to fully harden.
Shitsurindo tackled this challenge. As an industry-academia-government collaboration project with the University of Fukui and Fukui Prefecture, they began developing "Echizen Kourushi" to realize a harder and more durable lacquer film. Through a unique refining and application process, they completed a lacquer with a tough coating film that can withstand dishwashers.
The coating technique is "Shin-nuri (true coating)", which is finished in a single coat. The lacquer is filtered many times to remove fine dust, and it is applied uniformly like a mirror without leaving any brush marks. Through this process, the deep luster and smoothness you feel the moment you pick it up are created.
Characteristics of the Ichijo Bowl—Bringing the original shape of the bowl to the modern day
Shitsurindo's flagship product, the "Ichijo Bowl," is a design that inherits the "bowl-like shape" that is most orthodox as a soup bowl. The name "Ichijo" is said to be derived from Ichijodani in Fukui City, and it is imbued with pride for the land of Echizen.
The 4-sun size is 12.1cm in diameter, 6.5cm in height, and has a capacity of 400ml, which is slightly larger than a standard soup bowl. It is a size with room to spare for pork miso soup with lots of ingredients or miso soup with many ingredients. It can also be used as a rice bowl for serving white rice, simmered dishes, and dressed dishes. Also, because it can be stacked and stored with 4.5-sun Ichijo bowls, it does not take up shelf space.
It is developed as a collaboration product with Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten's "Dainipponichi," and because it comes in a dedicated box carefully wrapped in Japanese paper, it is finished so that it can be given as a gift as is. The red and black pair set is chosen as a gift for wedding anniversaries or for parents.
Recommended for these people
Those who want to incorporate lacquerware for the first time but are worried about the hassle of maintenance
Those looking for a wedding anniversary or birthday gift for parents or a partner
Those who want to casually incorporate authentic crafts into their daily dining table
If you want to try it with just one piece first, there are also individual items: Ichijo Bowl 4-sun Red (¥4,950) / Ichijo Bowl 4-sun Black (¥4,950)
How to use and care for lacquerware
Even though it is dishwasher safe, it will last longer if used correctly. When using a dishwasher, use a dedicated detergent and set the temperature to standard to low. Continuous use at high-temperature settings can lead to deterioration of the coating film. If washing by hand, dissolve neutral detergent in lukewarm water and wash with a soft sponge. Metal scrubbers and coarse sponges can cause scratches.
While new, you may be concerned about the unique smell of lacquer. In that case, putting it in a rice bin for a few days will naturally remove it. This is a piece of wisdom about lacquerware passed down from long ago. Avoid storing in direct sunlight or dry places, and avoid soaking. Depending on your constitution, you may very rarely have an allergic reaction to lacquer. In that case, please consult a dermatologist immediately.
Summary
Shitsurindo's Ichijo Bowl, born from the fusion of 1,500 years of Echizen lacquerware history and modern technology. It achieves both the practicality of being dishwasher safe and the beauty of the deep luster of genuine lacquer true coating. The red and black bowls on your daily dining table will make white rice and miso soup stand out even more, enriching the act of eating itself. Start with one piece, or as a pair set for a gift. Please try incorporating the world of Echizen lacquerware into your dining table.
▶ View details of "Shitsurindo Echizen Kourushi Ichijo Bowl Pair Set" on Amazon
*This article contains affiliate links using the Amazon Associate Program. Prices and stock are information at the time of writing.