GATOMIKIO Red Yamanaka Lacquerware Oryoki Bowl Set
This is a set of bowls called oryoki by GATOMIKIO, finished with red wipe-lacquer that accentuates the natural beauty of the wood grain. The matte texture gives it a modern, understated look.
Founded in 1908 as a woodworking shop in Yamanaka Onsen, Ishikawa Prefecture, GATO MIKIO SHOTEN is a renowned Yamanaka lacquerware brand that specializes in advanced woodturning techniques. Their products are not overly glamorous, but they blend seamlessly into modern life.
Oryoki is a functional set of bowls designed to minimize waste in daily life, a key practice in Zen Buddhism. It has gained attention for its easy-to-use, functional, and minimalist design, making it an ideal addition to modern tables.
The set is designed to stack perfectly, with smaller bowls fitting neatly inside the larger ones, allowing for compact storage and easy portability.
One of oryoki's key features is its compactness—no matter how many bowls are in the set, they all nest within the largest bowl, making storage effortless, even with a six-layer set.
Another advantage is its durability. Made from wood and crafted in Japan, this oryoki set is resistant to breakage, even if dropped. The lacquer coating protects it from scratches and deterioration, ensuring longevity. Originally designed for Buddhist practitioners to use throughout their lives, it is equally durable for home use.
In addition, the oryoki set is highly practical as tableware: a single set can provide all the necessary dishes for one person, simplifying meal preparation.
This particular oryoki set is made from zelkova wood and finished with lacquer, following the traditional Yamanaka lacquerware techniques. The wipe-lacquer finish maintains the natural beauty of the woodgrain, and the minimalist design emphasizes its simplicity.
Since this set involves multiple nested bowls, each one requires precise woodworking to ensure a perfect fit. The woodgrain is an important feature of this product, so only the most skilled craftsmen among Yamanaka lacquerware artisans handle its production.
PRODUCT DETAIL
- Quantity: Set of 6 bowls
-
Dimension: [Set] D 14.5 cm (5.7 in) x H 7.2 cm (2.8 in)/
[Each Bowl (small to large)] D 8.8 cm (3.5 in) x H 2 cm (0.8 in), D 9.5 cm (3.7 in) x H 2.6 cm (1 in), 10.2 cm (4 in) x H 3.6 cm (1.4 in), D 11 cm (4.3 in) x H 4.6 cm (1.8 in), D 11.8 cm (4.6 in) x H 5.7 cm (2.4 in), D 14.5 cm (5.7 in) x H 7.2 cm (2.8 in) - Material: Zelkova Wood
- Coating: Lacquer
- Origin: Made in Japan - Yamanaka Lacquerware
- Brand: GATOMIKIO
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ABOUT GATO MIKIO
GATO MIKIO was founded in 1908 as Gado Woodworks in Yamanaka Onsen, Ishikawa Prefecture, the town of the potter's wheel.
They inherited the philosophy of the woodworkers who used the wheel to carve wood to make bowls, trays, and other woodwork, and have always valued the beautiful grain of the wood and the perfection of the carefully ground wood.
And they have made many lacquer ware products with a focus on the perfection of the wood.
Precision of their woodwork
The reason why their products attract people is because they combine the traditional techniques of Yamanaka lacquerware with a modern sensibility in their designs.
The beauty of their lacquerware will continue to grow with time, and will not fade over decades.
about yamanaka lacquerware
Yamanaka lacquerware is produced in the Yamanaka Onsen area of Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture, and has a history of about 400 years.
The traditional techniques of Yamanaka lacquerware were highly evaluated and became known throughout Japan, despite a period of temporary interruption.
It is characterized by the use of wood grain patterns to express a natural texture, and is made with great attention to detail.
It was designated as a traditional craft by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry in 1975.