small lidded box

Approx. dimensions: 14 cm Diameter x 10 cm High

Material: Keyaki Wood, Black Urushi

Care Instructions: keep dust free and clean with a lint free cloth

Hand-made in Yamanaka Onsen, Japan

Urushi is the sap of the Urushi tree. It has strong adhesive properties and is used as a coating material that, when hardened, becomes extremely durable and produces a glossy finish. It can be found in many parts of East Asia and has been used in Japan for several thousand years. When hardened, urushi is very resistant to acids, alcohol and alkalis and is durable enough to last several hundred years. Urushi vessels have been found in excavations dating from the Jomon period (8000-300 BC). Cases have even been reported where the original wooden base has completely rotted away, but the urushi coating has remained, retaining its colour and quality.

Wood constantly changes and breathes, even after it has been crafted into products. In some cases this may take the form of a bend, twist, crack or other deformation. We believe that wood is a living material and it will take on more character as it ages. However, there are ways to ensure that your product lasts longer. Avoid using these items in areas that are excessively dry, such as near air conditioning or windows exposed to direct sunlight. You should also avoid leaving them in water or in close proximity to a source of heat.

Urushi Ware is made from completely natural materials. The lacquer is derived straight from a tree, filtered, and occasionally blended with natural pigments. The typical core of Urushi Ware is wood, which is sometimes reinforced with linen or cotton and coated in a mixture of Urushi and various soil powders. Charcoal is traditionally used for sanding. Urushi Ware that has been damaged can be repaired and re-lacquered. The lacquering method follows a tradition of hundreds of years and involves completely manual work. This produces a natural product that will endure for generations.