Natural lacquer or Urushi is the purified sap of the Asian lacquer tree, which has been used for thousands of years in Japan to coat objects from crockery to furniture and buildings. When dry, lacquer is both heat and water resistant, therefore providing protection and strength to underlying materials, very often wood, but also bamboo, paper and leather. Lacquerware itself can be referred to as Urushi as well as Shikki (漆器 lit. “urushi vessel”), and with the development of acrylic resin in the last century, objects coated in synthetic lacquers, such as food-safe polyurethane, are considered Urushi/Shikki too. Pure natural Urushi is transparent, while the black and red lacquers most associated with Shikki are achieved with the addition of mineral pigments, over which traditional decorative details such as Maki-e (蒔絵) “sprinkled pictures” or Raden (螺鈿) “shell inlay” can be applied.
Chataku
Yurigata Suri
Urushi
SKU
4277
Yoshi En has recently grown out of Sunday Natural to become an independent premium tea store. As part of this transition, some products may still be shipped in Sunday Natural packaging.
Simple and elegant wooden Chataku saucer with decorative carving in the centre, traditionally lacquered using the Suri Urushi technique where lacquer is directly applied to the wood and rubbed in repeatedly to draw out the beauty of the natural wood grain. Perfect for pairing with Kumidashi teacups.
| Product | Chataku saucer, brown |
| Dimensions | Ø11.6cm x 2cm |
| Weight | 35g |
| Material | Wood |
| Lacquer | Natural Urushi |
| Production | Woodturning (Hikimono 挽き物) |
Each item is handmade and unique, therefore dimensions, weight and colour may vary slightly
In stock
Chataku 茶托
The Chataku is a saucer to place underneath Kumidashi teacups and are an essential part of Senchadō: the ceremonial preparation and drinking of Sencha leaf tea, particularly high grade Gyokuro. Traditionally, Chataku made of tin are used within Senchadō as this was the original style that arrived in Japan from China in the 17th century. Wooden Chataku were then produced, and nowadays these saucers are used in formal settings as a show of respect when serving guests.
