[Odawara Lacquerware] Zelkova Confectionery Bowl — A Time of Jet Black, Infused with Muromachi Craftsmanship
Did you know that there is a type of lacquer that allows the wood grain to show through? Lacquerware made in Odawara does not hide the natural patterns of the zelkova wood; rather, each layer of lacquer applied makes the grain stand out even more. A vessel whose appearance changes every time you use it. That is Odawara lacquerware.
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The item I am introducing this time is Odawara Lacquerware Zelkova Wood Confectionery Bowl Deep Bowl Lacquer-coated Traditional Craft (S).
A dialogue between zelkova and lacquer, continuing since the mid-Muromachi period
The history of Odawara lacquerware dates back to the mid-Muromachi period (late 15th century). It is said to have begun when woodturners gathered at the foot of Odawara Castle and started making bowls and trays using the zelkova wood that grew abundantly in the Sagami River basin.
The reason Odawara became established as a production center for lacquerware lies in the mountains of Hakone. The area around Hakone, with its high altitude and significant temperature fluctuations, has a climate suitable for drying wood. It was an environment blessed with an abundance of broad-leaved trees such as zelkova, horse chestnut, and cherry, allowing woodturners (craftsmen who turn wood on a lathe) to hone their skills. It was designated as a traditional craft by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry in 1976, and workshops such as the Okawa Woodworking Studio continue to produce it today while preserving the manufacturing methods used since the Muromachi period.
There is another reason why the land of Odawara was chosen. As a prosperous post town on the Tokaido road, Odawara saw both samurai culture and tea culture take root simultaneously. Odawara lacquerware supported the kitchens of the castle town as vessels for serving sweets at tea ceremonies.
Craftsman's techniques and dedication
The most prominent features of Odawara lacquerware are "Suri-urushi" (rubbed-in lacquer) and "Kijiro-nuri" (transparent lacquer finish). Standard lacquerware is made by applying thick layers of base coat to completely cover the wood grain, then applying color on top. However, with Odawara lacquerware, raw lacquer is rubbed directly into the wood fibers. The approach is not to erase the grain, but to harden it with lacquer.
"Kijiro-nuri" is a technique of applying many very thin layers of transparent, amber-to-near-black lacquer while maintaining a state where the wood grain remains visible. It is painted, dried, polished, and painted again. This repetition creates that unique depth whose expression changes depending on how the light hits it.
The sturdiness of the zelkova wood itself is also compatible with this technique. Zelkova, which has a particularly powerful grain among broad-leaved trees and is prone to complex patterns, has a track record of being used as a material for Odawara lacquerware for hundreds of years. The expression of the grain, which cannot be known until it is turned, creates lacquerware that is unique in every piece.
Reason for choosing this product
The item I am introducing this time is a deep-bowl-style confectionery bowl made of zelkova wood. The deep-bowl shape is highly versatile, capable of holding both dry and fresh sweets, and blends naturally into dining tables and tea settings. The silhouette, with its gently widening rim, has the flexibility to be used not only for sweets but also as a container for small items or as a flower vase.
The finish, created by turning natural genuine zelkova wood on a lathe and repeatedly rubbing in raw lacquer, is relatively accessible in terms of price, considering that workshop pieces made with similar techniques can cost tens of thousands of yen. While I cannot definitively say it is "expensive" or "cheap," stock levels are fluid, and there is a possibility that the stock currently visible on the page is limited.
As a gift for a tea ceremony: ▶ View details and stock as a gift on Amazon
For those considering a purchase: ▶ Check current stock status on Amazon
I want to use it in scenes like this
I invite friends over on the weekend to set up a small tea time. When placed on the table next to a white porcelain teapot, the confectionery bowl, with its black finish and the grain of the zelkova wood, changes the atmosphere of the space. Just by arranging a few dry sweets, it becomes a little 'shitsurae' (setting).
There is also the way of using it on a display shelf in the entryway, placed alongside seasonal flowers. The deep bowl is picturesque just by being there. Even with nothing inside, it has a presence as a vessel. When guests arrive, putting a bite-sized sweet inside is enough to spark a conversation.
Odawara lacquerware confectionery bowls have also been chosen as gifts for housewarmings or business openings. Especially when in a paulownia box, the 'weight' of the gift is conveyed the moment it is handed over. It is a gift that conveys the sincerity of the materials, made only of wood and lacquer.
Care and tips for long-term use
Natural lacquer-coated vessels become more familiar to the wood the more they are used, and the color deepens. At the beginning of use, the luster may feel somewhat hard, but as half a year or a year passes, a unique, deep amber hue emerges. This is called the 'growth of lacquer'.
The basic way to wash it is by hand with a soft sponge and neutral detergent. Dishwashers cannot be used. High temperatures and sudden temperature changes can damage the lacquer. After washing, wipe off the moisture immediately and gently dry it with a soft cloth to maintain the luster of the lacquer.
For storage, avoid direct sunlight and place it in a location that is not too dry. If it will not be used for a long period, it is best to wrap it in Japanese paper or cloth before returning it to the box. Since lacquerware is sensitive to dry air, taking it out and using it several times a year is also a tip for making it last longer.
Excellent items from the same production area you may also want to consider
The Traditional Odawara Lacquerware Soup Bowl (¥5,335) crafted by Okawa Woodworking is a bowl for daily use made of zelkova with a wiped-lacquer finish. Because it is made from the same techniques and materials as the confectionery bowl, using them together creates a sense of unity. Just by putting your daily miso soup in it, the scenery of your dining table changes a little.▶ View on Amazon
Another item is the Odawara Lacquerware Square Tray with Handles, Tea Ceremony Tool, Lacquer Finish which is also a product from the same region. If you place the confectionery bowl and teapot together on it, a small tea setting is complete. The wiped-lacquer tray that makes the most of the wood grain is picturesque even just by hanging it on a dish rack for display.▶ View on Amazon
Points to consider when choosing for gifts or anniversaries
Odawara lacquerware confectionery bowls have long been chosen as birthday or 60th birthday gifts for those who enjoy the tea ceremony. Vessels that grow as they are used are well-suited as items that convey respect for aging. For housewarmings or new home celebrations, they are appreciated as items that add a touch of Japanese elegance to daily life.
They are also suitable for retirement gifts or commemorative gifts for retirement. At this time when one leaves behind many years of work and creates time to carefully enjoy daily life, 'authentic vessels that can be used every day' have meaning as a gift. When choosing as a wedding favor, it is easy to start using them if they are set with soup bowls.
Summary
Odawara lacquerware is a craft born to maximize the power of zelkova wood and the depth of natural lacquer. It is not flashy, but it is one of the few crafts where you can experience the vessel changing as you continue to use it. The techniques that Odawara craftsmen have protected since the Muromachi period quietly dwell in this single confectionery bowl.
Please have this unique artisan craft in your hands.
▶ View 'Odawara Lacquerware Confectionery Bowl, Genuine Zelkova, Zelkova, Confectionery Bowl, Deep Bowl' on Amazon
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