Hand Lacquered Urushi Soup Bowls - 2 Pieces

A pair of beautiful urushi soup bowls from Japan, each one hand lacquered by a craftsman. 

Urushi is a traditional Japanese lacquer that has been used for over 9000 years in Japan, made from the resin of an Urushi tree. It allows the bowl to not become too hot to the touch even with hot broth inside, while giving a warmth that only something handmade can provide. 

Urushi resin is produced by the Urushi tree as a self-defensive mechanism when the tree is suffering- therefore it has many powerful characteristics that Japanese craftsman have valued, including antibacterial and insect repelling properties, an incredible durability and hardness, and a high resistance to water, acids and heat. 

Urushi lacquered objects continue to be highly valued in modern Japan, and used for important occasions such as wedding and religious ceremonies. 

Urushi lacquered bowls are often given as a gift to loved ones, especially in a pair. 

Made in Japan