Chamfered Jar, Negoro Finish
Small chamfered jar with Negoro finish.
Negoro is a name, said to come from a temple in Wakayama. In reference to a style of urushi lacquering, however, it suggests that a layer of black urushi is coated by another layer of scarlet-coloured urushi. As the surface gets thinner with daily use, the colour underneath the scarlet layer starts surfacing, creating a one-of-a-kind type of pattern. It’s often referred to as “scenery” and appreciated.
¥165,000
In stock
Additional information
| Weight | 500 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 12 × 13 cm |
| Material | Japanese zelkova |
| Color | Red |
| Maker | Senro Sato |
| Material | Urushi |
Full Product Details
Negoro is a name, said to have been taken from a temple in Wakayama. However, in reference to urushiware, it refers to a particular style in which black urushi is coated by another layer of scarlet-coloured urushi. As the surface gets thinner with daily use, the colour underneath the scarlet layer starts surfacing, creating a one-of-a-kind type of pattern. It’s often referred to as “scenery” and appreciated.
As the style gained more popularity, some started sanding surfaces to create the pre-made “scenery”.
A perfect parallel to draw is stone-washed denim. Pre-damaged jeans on a shop shelf don’t seem to quite recreate the texture and colours of naturally worn-out denim.
An antique connoisseur tells why. “Naturally, the part that gets touched the most gets worn out quickest. The side of the jar, the rim of the lid… If a black part surfaces anywhere unnatural, that’s a sign of intention.” And we humans sense that.
Senro’s Negoro finish is subtle. The tip of the jar lid, the rims, the corners… where the layer of urushi coating gets naturally thinner. The rest is up to the user to create the scenery. We hope you’ll enjoy feeling into the surface every day.
The joy of using durable crafts is represented by the term “Keinen Henka (経年変化). The term will be explored in the Wisdom Newsletters. (please sign up if you haven’t! ;))
There are no drawings, or patterns on the surface, which makes it harder for Senro as there is no place to hide; even a speck of dust on the surface will be too obvious to ignore. We get mesmerised looking at the slick surface. We had the pleasure of touching them while filming for Wisdom Toolkit.
Feel the lightness in your hands, the genuine work of craftsmen. It’s plural as a piece of urushiware requires layers of craftsmanship realise: the one who scratches the surface of the urushi tree to extract the sap of urushi, another one who carves the shape out of a wood log. Senro takes on the finishing touch, through the repeated process of layering and polishing urushi lacquer.
It comes in a box.
Care of Use:
Avoid direct sunlight and UV rays.
Wash with lukewarm water and wipe well with a soft cloth. Carefully Remove water from the corners with a dry soft cloth so as to avoid water stains.
For oil stains, wash with a soft sponge using neutral detergent and rinse with lukewarm water.
To store for a long time without use, wrap in a cloth and store at room temperature.
Do not stack dishes of other materials, such as earthenware or porcelain, on top of urushiware in order to avoid scratches.
Message from Senro:
This handicraft has been produced in a way that is completely non-polluting to our environment, utilising the wisdom, techniques and materials of our ancestors who have passed on their knowledge and skills from ancient times.
We would like to give it to you as a result of our wish that the path of today’s spiritual culture will become richer, and that respect for nature’s blessings will grow. This gift will continue to live on from the present day to the future.
We hope that you will use it daily, with loving care, and for many years to come.
