Ritsuzan Tomita Flower Teacup Coaster Set

These Echizen Lacquerware teacup coasters are exquisite items combining the elegant shine of lacquer by tamenuri with the detailed gold designs made with chinkin done by the second generation Ritsuzan Tomita, a renowned chinkin craftsman.

Tamenuri is a lacquer coating technique where the red color can be seen through the translucent lacquer by applying a coat of translucent black lacquer on top of a middle coat of red lacquer. This technique gives the surface a lustrous coat and a shine that creates reflections almost like a mirror. 

Chinkin is a traditional technique used to create detailed designs with gold and silver on lacquerware surfaces. Unlike maki-e, where gold leaves and powder are directly applied to a surface, for chinkin, shallow and very thin grooves are made onto the surface which are then filled with gold leaves and powder. This method gives the gold designs an almost "sunken" appearance on the beautiful lacquerware surface. The literal definition of chinkin is "sunken gold" in Japanese. 

These teacup coasters are perfect for entertaining guests as well as for daily use and are especially suited for celebratory occasions. The set includes five coasters so they may be used for parties and gatherings of up to 5 people. Enjoy the exquisite designs of gold with silver, and the shine of Echizen lacquerware with these beautifully crafted teacup coasters. 

Echizen lacquerware originated around the city of Sabae in Fukui Prefecture, in the northern part of Japan. With a history going back more than 1,500 years, it is known for its subdued luster and elegant beauty. It is produced by experienced artisans, each specializing in one step of the production process.

Along with the changing lifestyles of Japanese people and market needs, creators of Echizen lacquerware have developed diversified products and created technology for mass production. Today, more than 80% of the lacquerware for domestic food industry and business use comes from Echizen. This is a region that is not only home to centuries of tradition, but also reinventing itself through innovation.