Sen wood plates with black urushi lacquer by Kihachi Kōbō

Made by the Kihachi Kōbō workshop in Yamanaka Onsen, these Japanese plates made of sen wood and black urushi lacquer are exceptionally light. Their delicately curved shape, fine edges, and satin black finish reflect the mastery of Yamanaka artisans in woodworking and lacquer. Beneath the deep black, fine striations reveal the natural material. Available in two sizes, these plates are ideal for tableware, from serving small preparations to more elaborate compositions.

The artisan
Founded in 1882 in Yamanaka Onsen, Ishikawa Prefecture, Kihachi Kōbō is one of the oldest lacquer workshops in the region. Established by the second-generation master lacquerer Kihachi, the workshop has preserved the traditional techniques of Yamanaka-shikki, the craft of turned and lacquered wood, for over 140 years.

The workshop combines the expertise of several crafts, from woodturning to preparing the surfaces and applying the lacquer. It uses Japanese woods and creates tableware that combines the precision of traditional techniques with shapes suited to contemporary use.

Technique and decoration
Sen, also known as harigiri (castor aralia), is a Japanese tree in the Araliaceae family, found notably in the forests of Hokkaido. Its light wood is prized for its lightness, flexibility, and beautiful grain. Despite its low density, it is strong enough to make fine, exceptionally light objects.

The artisans of Yamanaka Onsen have a long tradition of woodturning that dates back to the late 16th century. Woodturning allows them to shape highly refined pieces while maintaining a uniform thickness. The quality of the turning is essential to the balance of the shapes and the lightness of the objects.

These plates are coated with black urushi lacquer using the traditional fuki-urushi technique, which involves applying natural lacquer to the wood and then carefully wiping it away with a cloth. Repeated in several stages with drying time between applications, this method allows the lacquer to penetrate the wood and gradually form a protective finish without completely concealing its structure.

The satin black finish reveals very fine striations that give the surface a delicate texture. The contrast between the deep black and the subtle pattern of the wood gives these plates their character. Their slightly curved profile and very fine edges further showcase the quality of the woodturning. Each plate bears the Kihachi Kōbō workshop seal on its base.

Shape and use
Available in two sizes, medium and large, these plates are suitable for serving pastries and small preparations as well as presenting more generous portions. Their deep black finish particularly highlights the colors and textures of food. They can also hold small decorative objects.

Place of manufacture
Japan (Yamanaka Onsen, Ishikawa Prefecture)

Period
Contemporary

Dimensions
Medium size: Diameter 20.8 cm - Height 4 cm
Large size: Diameter 23.5 cm - Height 5 cm

Weight
Medium size: 74 g
Large size: 113 g

Materials
Sen (castor aralia), natural black urushi lacquer

As each piece is handmade, slight variations in shape, color, or texture may occur compared to the photographs, reflecting the unique character of this artisanal work.

Care instructions
Clean with a soft, slightly damp cloth, then dry carefully. Avoid abrasive products, harsh detergents, prolonged soaking, and direct exposure to heat. Do not put in the dishwasher, oven, or microwave.