Saruaka Noodle Bowl

This noodle bowl made of black lacquered wood is made in Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture where the tradition of lacquerware still thrives to this day. The depth of black that is achieved is one unique to lacquerware and becomes more lustrous with use.

To form the bowls, Noto Zelkova logs are shaved into fibers and split, then carefully carved using a technique called "yokogitori" to create beautiful wood grain from the edge to the base. The bare surface showcases the beauty of the natural texture of the wood and is painted a total of nine times—from the base coat to the finishing coat— which gives the bowl good heat retention and softens it to the touch.

Using a technique called "daita-nura," or beating, the lacquer is applied at the base coat stage. This is a technique in which the lacquer is applied with a "tampo," a tool made of cotton wrapped in cloth. The unique matte texture of the lacquer blends with the wood grain with the texture developing more over time.

Lacquered vessels are produced through numerous stages of detailed work by craftsmen, like the application of cloth to reinforce the rim and foot, and the polishing executed between coats of paint. Due to this level of careful craftsmanship, lacquerware can last a lifetime of usage.

Measurements:
Ø 5.9″ x H 4.1″

Capacity:
28.2 oz