Our lacqueware products are made of wood covered with several layers of a natural lacquer called urushi, which comes from the urushi tree (Rhus vernicifera). The urushi sap contains an oily substance called urushiol. When exposed to warmth and humidity, an enzyme is activated and extracts oxygen from the water and supplies it to the urushiol. The urushiol solidifies, forming a hard film. Urushiol is the exact same substance found in poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac which causes rash and itchiness, so it is not advisable to handle liquid urushi with your bare hands unless you are immune to it, as are the primarily Asian craftspeople who work with urushi. Apparently, Asians and Native Americans are less likely to be sensitive to urushiol. Once the resin has dried and formed the hard coating, it is non-toxic to those who would normally be sensitive to urushiol (most of us!). The dried resin forms a completely waterproof coating that seals the wood - it is also resistant to extremely high temperatures and acid (e.g., sulphuric acid).
The urushi technique is thousands of years old, and the oldest known urushi lacquerware is about 7000 years old (found in China along the Yangtze River). This ancient technique is completely natural and does not use any chemical additives or processes. There is an excellent series 9-part series by Adam Hart Davis called "What the Ancients did for us". The second episode is called "The Chinese" and features the urushi technique. Here is a small abstract dicussing this ancient technique:
Our bento boxes and children's dish sets are carved in China, but the lacquer is applied in Japan. We import these products from a reputed Japanese company that sells lacquerware to the Japanese market and ensures quality control of the urushi technique and final product. The Japanese and Chinese are the global experts in urushi lacquerware, but if the box was made in Japan, it would cost about US $300.00.
Japanese Bento Box made of Cedar and Coated with Urushi
This beautiful and classy bento box is ideal for a small healthy lunch. It features two levels with one food separator. It is lightweight and can be carried around easily with the elastic provided. Its natural urushi coating -- which is derived from a very old Japanese technique and tradition -- renders the box water-resistant, acid-resistant and heat-resistant. Nevertheless, the box should be cared for like a jewel and not be exposed to intense heat or sunrays.
Not dishwasher nor microwave safe. Imported from Japan (wood carved in China, lacquer applied in Japan). Care information.
CAD
$54.95
USD
$54.95
Traditional Lacquerware Children Set Imported from Japan1 bowl, 1 cup, cutlery in gift box
This beautifully handcrafted children dish set is made of urushi lacquerware using the traditional Japanese technique. This technique of applying several coats of lacquer from a special urushi tree grown in Asia is more than a thousand year old and has proven very durable. It is waterproof, resists strong acids and high temperature. It almost smells like honey. The set comes packaged in a beautiful yellow and blue gift box and would make the perfect baby shower gift.
Japanese 4-Piece Dish Set Special Price! CAD
$69.95
Japanese
4-Piece Dish Set Special Price! USD
$69.95
Traditional Lacquerware Children Set Imported from Japan -- 1 bowl, 1 cup, 1 plate, cutlery in gift box
This beautifully handcrafted children dish set is made of urushi lacquerware using the traditional Japanese technique. This technique of applying several coats of lacquer from a special urushi tree grown in Asia is more than a thousand year old and has proven very durable. It is waterproof, resists strong acids and high temperature. It almost smells like honey. The set comes packaged in a beautiful yellow and blue gift box and would make the perfect baby shower gift.
