Okura’s Special Order: Wajima Lacquer Tumblers Built to Last a Century

A bespoke wooden tumbler, commissioned by the traditional craft brand THE EASTON to showcase Hokuriku’s heritage, has arrived at OKURA, the flagship store of BLUE BLUE JAPAN. The materials are meticulously selected: Noto hiba, the prefectural tree of Ishikawa, and Wajima lacquerware, renowned for its robustness. The intricate, multi-layered lacquer finish, with its delicate gradations of colour, is the work of Hiroshi Nakamon, one of Wajima lacquerware’s foremost master finishers, recipient of numerous awards.

Following over 100 processes – the very essence of Wajima lacquerware – and applying a cloth-backed finish, ensures both a smooth feel against the lips and durability for a century of use. The distinctive scent of Noto hiba is subtly controlled through proprietary techniques, ensuring it does not interfere with the flavour of the drink. It excels at retaining both heat and cold: hot drinks transfer little heat to the hand, while cold drinks keep ice from melting quickly.

The side bears the shop’s founding symbol, the “Heart-in-Yang” engraving. This Hokuriku craft, practised continuously for centuries and featured by “Okura”, enriches daily life.

Base material: Noto hiba wood. Surface finish: Wajima lacquer. The protective chips within the dedicated presentation box also utilise Noto hiba wood, renowned for its antibacterial and preservative properties. These can be reused as deodorising and insect-repellent agents in shoe cupboards or wardrobes. [φ8.8×H9cm] ¥50,600