Kara-nuri Bowl Red

Name: Kara-nuri Bowl Red
Brand: Kobayashi Lacquerware
SKU: kbs020060102
Price: 129.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$129.00

Kara-nuri Bowl Red by Kobayashi Lacquerware is finished using kara-nuri, the most widely recognized decorative technique within Tsugaru lacquerware. This method is defined by an exceptionally complex, layered process that transforms lacquer into a surface of depth, resilience, and quiet visual tension.

To create the distinctive kara-nuri pattern, a perforated spatula is used to form fine relief across a dense, highly viscous lacquer base. Layers of colored lacquer are then worked into the surface, followed by the careful application of tin powder, which is sealed beneath translucent lacquer. The bowl is repeatedly coated, cured, and polished, revealing a scattered pattern that feels organic yet deliberate, with no two surfaces ever identical.

This extensive layering not only produces visual richness but also results in remarkable durability. Designed for long term daily use, the bowl embodies the weight, strength, and expressive character that define Tsugaru lacquerware at its most enduring.

Details

Size: W 4.7in x L 4.7in x H 2.8in / W 12cm x L 12cm x H 7cm
Material: Wood

Care & Use

Handwash only
Do not use in microwave or oven
Do not soak in hot water for an extended time
Wash with a sponge or something soft and wipe dry immediately after use
If you are concerned about the smell of lacquer, leave it in a well-ventilated place for a few days or run it through lukewarm water 2-3 times and wipe it with a soft cloth

Check our tips for Care Information.

Kara-nuri Bowl Red

$129.00

Meet the Artisan

Kobayashi Lacquerware

Kobayashi Lacquerware traces its origins to the early 19th century, when the Kobayashi family began working with Tsugaru lacquerware in the historic town of Hirosaki. The studio’s founding predates the Meiji era, emerging around 1830 as a regional workshop dedicated to mastering the laborious layering, sanding, and polishing processes integral to authentic Tsugaru urushi lacquerware.

Across six generations, the Kobayashi atelier has preserved the core techniques of the craft while also subtly refining them. Successive family members have apprenticed deeply in both production and design, ensuring continuity of methodology. Today, leadership has embraced a careful balance between honoring tradition and exploring new expressions — including interior pieces and everyday objects that resonate with modern lifestyles while remaining faithful to the time‑intensive lacquer process.

Every piece in the Kobayashi Lacquerware collection reflects this lineage of discipline and refinement. They are handcrafted with attentive layering and polishing, using regionally sourced materials and techniques passed down through the family. The result is not only durable lacquerware but a lived connection to Tsugaru’s enduring cultural heritage — objects that enrich daily rituals and convey a quiet yet profound sense of place.