As one of Japan's traditional crafts, lacquerware is beloved by many for its beauty and durability. This time, we would like to share the charm of the isuke brand lacquerware, which is particularly popular at LUXCRAS, as felt by our staff who had the opportunity to handle the items personally. We hope this will serve as a helpful reference when you choose your products.
isuke pursues designs that cherish tradition while blending seamlessly into modern life. As a result, each item combines refined beauty with practicality. Let us first provide an overview of isuke.
Contents
About the isuke Brand
isuke is a specialized store for lacquer and lacquerware, founded approximately 190 years ago in Kyoto.
At isuke, there is a strong desire for people to use lacquerware in their daily lives, to appreciate its wonderful qualities, and to experience the "small happiness" that lacquerware brings. They propose lacquerware that is perfect for those who want to use and give simple, modern, and practical Japanese items.
In addition to selling in their physical store in Kyoto, they actively participate in department store events, where they can hear direct feedback from customers and incorporate it into their product planning. As a result, their lacquerware blends seamlessly into everyday life, making dining tables more vibrant and enjoyable.
Since 2014, they have collaborated with both domestic and international designers to combine the craftsmanship of lacquerware with the power of design, developing products that simply express the charm of lacquerware. This led to the establishment of the "isuke" brand.
There are many new, unique lacquerware items that have never been seen before, making them perfect as one-of-a-kind gifts. Here, we will carefully select and introduce some particularly recommended items from isuke.
Recommended Product 1: "Candy Box - Hana Bonbonniere"
This is a beautifully designed lacquered confectionery container featuring a combination of large flowers and arabesque patterns. "Bonbonniere" is a French term for a small box used to hold candies or confections.
Staff Review:
This bonbonniere is very easy to use and the size is perfect (red: 10.5 x 10.5 x 6 cm, black: 12.5 x 12.5 x 7 cm). Both designs, red with silver and black with gold, are attractive and ideal for storing house keys or accessories. (Female staff in her 20s)
I can confidently recommend it as a gift for a wife or girlfriend. In particular, the black bonbonniere, with its gold petals and red trim, harmonizes beautifully, and its beauty is truly impressive. (Male staff in his 40s)
I like the subdued gloss and soft curve design for its elegance. It elevates the quality of the surrounding space just by being placed, making it suitable for use in a guest room. (Male staff in his 50s)
Recommended Product 2: "KOROMO Series"
The "KOROMO" series allows you to experience the unique texture of wood, the beautiful hues of lacquer, and the elegance of maki-e all at once. The upper part of the cup is lacquered in shades like vermilion or black, while the lower part features a clear finish that reveals the wood grain. In between, lines of gold or silver maki-e serve as accents, creating a stylish atmosphere despite the simple design.
Staff Review:
All items are light and easy to hold, making them comfortable for extended use. (Female staff in her 20s)
The KOROMO series has everything you need to enjoy a meal. It's lovely to coordinate items from the same series, and it can also be fun to mix and match different colors. The visible natural wood is appealing, and the lacquered parts allow the grain to show through slightly, adding to its charm. I especially like its ease of use for everyday activities. (Male staff in his 40s)
The lightness of the KOROMO series is very appealing. Its low thermal conductivity makes it less likely to become hot or condense moisture, which is another key point. (Male staff in his 50s)
Recommended Product 3: "Tea Caddy - KOMA Pattern Size Large"
This is a charming tea caddy featuring the traditional "KOMA" pattern (the spinning top pattern), a staple in lacquerware design for ages. It has been stylishly updated for a modern look using a variety of colorful lacquers. Slightly taller than typical tea caddies, it can hold about 70g to 100g of tea leaves. Not only is it practical as a tea caddy, but it also serves as an attractive decorative piece for your kitchen cabinet or dining table. KOMA pattern is uniquely Japanese, making this tea caddy an excellent gift for friends abroad.
Tea Caddy - KOMA Pattern Size Large
Staff Review:
This tea caddy has a very nice Japanese color scheme. It can be used not only for storing tea leaves but also as a stylish addition to a Japanese-style interior. (Female staff in her 20s)
The inner lid closes tightly, effectively preventing moisture, making it ideal for storing tea leaves, coffee beans, and more. The fact that you can't see the contents from the outside adds an interesting and appealing element. (Male staff in his 40s)
This tea caddy feels like it has been made with great care and effort. The texture and finish reflect the craftsman's dedication and aesthetic sense. (Male staff in his 50s)
Recommended Product 4: "Plate - Plum Shaped"
This plate, unique in its lacquerware form, is beautifully adorned with gold leaf on its surface. It's conveniently sized for everyday use, allowing you to serve Japanese sweets, cakes, or other dishes freely. Additionally, it can be used as a pen tray or a tray for small items around your living room or desk area. Packaged in an elegant paper gift box, this plate not only adds a touch of luxury but also makes an excellent choice for a small gift, memento, or souvenir for someone overseas.
Staff Review:
The gold and silver foil each emit a refined shine, making them very attractive. These plates match well with both Japanese and Western sweets and seem perfect for various occasions. (Female staff in her 20s)
The red line along the rim is very appealing. Rather than for daily use, these plates would shine when set aside for entertaining guests, enhancing the hospitality experience. (Male staff in his 40s and 50s)
Recommended Product 5: "Soup Bowl - Cranes"
This bowl is adorned with auspicious gold and silver crane maki-e, making it perfect for celebratory occasions. Its larger size allows for ample ingredients, adding to its convenience. Made from a combination of wood powder and resin, it offers the luxury look of maki-e at a more affordable price. Available in two colors, these bowls can be paired as an excellent gift for couples, especially suitable for weddings.
Staff Review:
This lidded bowl is quite large (13 x 13 x 11 cm), making it ideal for hearty soups. The design featuring a thousand cranes is considered lucky, making it not only suitable for special occasions but also recommended for daily use as a lucky charm. (Female staff in her 20s)
It pairs exceptionally well with Japanese cuisine. The inclusion of a lid helps keep dishes warm, adding to its appeal. (Male staff in their 40s and 50s)
Conclusion
Isuke brand lacquerware embodies the fusion of tradition and modernity, bringing elegance and a sense of happiness to everyday life. Everyone is encouraged to incorporate Isuke lacquerware into their daily routines and experience its allure.
To view isuke's products, please click here.