Where Tokushima Indigo Meets Kyoto Lacquer
An award-winning masterpiece of contemporary Japanese craft. This exceptional plate features a singular expression of ai-urushi (藍漆)—a rare, sophisticated finish that layers prized Awa indigo with natural, raw urushi lacquer. Beneath this surface, a hand-cut White Sycamore wood veneer is arranged in a radial sunburst pattern (Kōsen-bari), creating a mesmerizing interplay of light, shadow, and depth that evolves with every viewpoint.

An Award-Winning Modern Masterpiece
Celebrated for bridging ancient tradition with modern lifestyle, this piece received two prestigious accolades:

• United Arrows Award | Japan Wa-Culture Grand Prix
  "A beautiful work in which skill, material, and sensibility are expressed at the highest level—and one that I can easily imagine finding its place in our customers' daily lives." — Maiko Tamura, Brand Director, TABAYA by United Arrows
• Craft Award | DENTO Awards
  "Advancing traditional techniques to create new value is exactly what contemporary craft most needs today... A work of high completion that brings a freshness of texture unlike anything seen before." — NPO DENTO Jury

 

The Convergence of Three Master Crafts
The Heritage Indigo (Awa-ai): Sourced from Tokushima, where indigo cultivation is a registered Important Intangible Cultural Heritage. The tadeai (Japanese indigo) plant is meticulously hand-cultivated, harvested, and fermented into sukumo by a single master producer.

• The Sacred Lacquer (Urushi): Applied in collaboration with the legendary Tsutsumi Asagichi Urushi-ten merchant in Kyoto. Used in Japan for over 10,000 years, natural urushi is incredibly resilient—highly resistant to heat, acids, and alkalis.
• The Living Finish: True to the soul of authentic Japanese lacquerware, the ai-urushi finish is never static. With everyday use and time, the lacquer film will steadily deepen in richness, warmth, and translucent sheen.

Product Specifications

Material: White Sycamore
Finish: Ai-urushi — Awa indigo × natural urushi lacquer
Renowned for its ripple figure, the wood's radial grain sinks deep into the sumi-urushi black, surfacing with a subtle shimmer as it catches angled light.
Dimensions: Ø 14.2" × 0.5" H (Ø 360× 12 mm)

Product Care

• Hand-wash only, and wipe dry immediately with a soft cloth to prevent warping or cracking from prolonged moisture.
• Avoid exposure to direct sunlight, extreme temperature changes, high humidity, or refrigeration.
• Do not leave oily or strongly colored foods on the surface for extended periods.
• Not suitable for use in microwave ovens or dishwashers.
• Please note that each handcrafted piece features its own unique wood grain and color variations.
• Note on Urushi: Fully cured lacquer rarely causes skin reactions, but if an allergic response occurs, please consult a medical professional.