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KAWAI WAKASANURI Inlaid Shell Chopsticks

Sale price$130.00

style:

This collection embodies the quiet grandeur of Japanese craftsmanship. The exterior box is crafted from natural ironwood, finished with multi‑step lacquer and inlay techniques that reveal a subtle, mesh‑like grain—a testament to skill and material honesty.

Rainbow Chopsticks
The signature design of this collection. Under sunlight, the surface reveals the seven colors of the rainbow—a spectrum of light captured in lacquer. A piece meant for national ceremonies, gifted within Japan and presented to honored visitors.

Kitayama Chopsticks
Adorned with abundant mother‑of‑pearl inlay and delicate metal fittings, these chopstones reflect the opulence and complete artistry of traditional Kyoto decoration. Often chosen for official occasions and diplomatic gifts.

Phoenix Chopsticks
Features surface inlay of embossed glass grains and woven floral motifs, fully decorated in the maki‑e style. A symbol of rebirth and elegance, covered in ornate detail.

Lacquered Chopsticks
Finished with embossed glass grains and floral lacquer work, partially painted in the hananuri (“half‑lacquer”) technique. These carry a vital note: “The lacquer is unrefined, yet safe.” True Japanese lacquerware uses raw, natural urushi—a living material that, once cured, is non‑toxic, antibacterial, easy to clean, and becomes more beautiful with time. Each piece complies with Japan’s Food Safety Law and is prepared for use upon arrival.

Due to the natural characteristics of wood and lacquer, these chopsticks are easy to maintain, resistant to bacterial growth, and designed to last for generations—each set not just a utensil, but a vessel of culture, safety, and lasting beauty.

• Product Includes:
2x Chopsticks
1x Wooden Box / Leather Box

[Material] Natural iron wood
For men: Length 23cm/For women: Length 21cm

KAWAI WAKASANURI Inlaid Shell Chopsticks Goglasscup
KAWAI WAKASANURI Inlaid Shell Chopsticks Sale price$130.00

Design

Crafting Of Edo Kiriko

The artist marks simple grid lines on the glass without drawing a design to provide the plan's framework. The design grid is drawn on the glass's surface using a bamboo stick or brush with red iron oxide. Next, the baselines of the design are lightly etched using a whetstone. Relying on these fine marks and lines, the delicate patterns of Edo kiriko are created with the artisan's expertise and skills.

First Cut

The base design is cut to about three-quarters of the final width and depth. The surface of the glass is cut using a sand paste-coated metal disc rotating at high speed. Generally, emery powder with many abrasive particles is used to create the sand paste. The clear pattern border lines and the irregular patterns are cut little by little. The balance between the thickness and depth of the cut lines relies upon the artisan's years of experience, as there are no detailed sketches.

Adjustments

The patterns cut in the second stage are adjusted, and the surface is smoothly polished in this process. A whetstone disc, natural or artificial, is used to cut delicate patterns which cannot be created with the metal disc used in the prior process. This is the last cutting stage to complete the designs, so careful work is required not to leave any powder residue and to ensure a brilliant finish.

Polishing

This is the final stage of production, and it is usually carried out on soda-lime glass (most prevalent type of glass). The opaque surface left by the third stage is returned once more to its original transparent state, with the attractive shine and sparkle typical of Edo kiriko. Chemical processing with hydrofluoric acid is also applied for high-class crystal glass. Depending on the piece, a variety of different polishing discs are used, such as paulownia wood discs, willow wood discs, hair brush discs, and belt discs. The final work is polished by applying water and polishing powders to obtain a glittering finish, while fine sections are polished with a cloth or a brush. To complete the final polishing, a cloth buffing disc is used to bring out the sparkle and shine of the cut glass.