Sunburst Big Plate | Red

Communicating with nature and the times
Putting the spirit of a lacquer maker into the pottery

Back to the Nature, Back to the Roots

From the Edo period to the present day, lacquer artists have experienced the happenings of the world as they traveled, capturing people's emotions and incorporating them into the designs of Wajima lacquerware.

"Vessel of the Sun" also embodies a sentiment toward nature that is only getting stronger in today's society, where industrialization and urbanization are progressing.

The motif of the vessel is the sun, which is considered a symbol of vitality and has been worshipped around the world since ancient times.

In Japan in particular, it is believed that gods reside in all things, and people have come to refer to the sun as "Oten-sama."

Since ancient times, we Japanese have revered the sun and lived in harmony with nature.

However, as the 20th century entered the period of rapid economic growth, society as a whole began to prioritize economic activity, and this spirit was almost lost.

Back to the Nature, Back to the Roots.

I think it's finally time to change direction.

Refined Primitives

Wajima lacquerware tends to give the impression of being gorgeous and luxurious, but I am proud that the somewhat wild "Sun Vessel" has a style that could be called sophisticated yet primitive.

The design, which seems to radiate ancient natural energy, and the vitality of the lacquer that breathes within the vessels may awaken the Jomon DNA that lies dormant within us.

The large plate, measuring 37cm in diameter, exudes a relaxed atmosphere and is shaped like a sun using the "Togidashi" technique (a pattern is created with lacquer on the wood, and then several layers of colored lacquer are applied, after which the lacquer is polished smooth with charcoal, revealing the pattern in the layers that emerge).

The lacquer, which is affected by weather and humidity, is mixed and applied to the vessel each time, and the condition of the painted surface is checked by hand while being polished, so the degree to which the pattern stands out varies from piece to piece.

Just as there are no two suns, the "solar vessel" is also one of a kind in the world.

Use it, look at it, and let the power of the sun shine on your life

"Sun Vessel" was created by the 9th generation Taya family and craftsmen, based on the concept of "vessel that is like the sun, illuminating the dining table and living space," in search of Wajima lacquerware that would blend into modern life.

It has a flat form not seen in traditional Wajima lacquerware, with the hope that it will brighten up the room not only when in use but also when not in use.

By deliberately eliminating the foot (a stand attached to the bottom of the dish) and making the edges of the plate flat rather than rounded, we have created a dish that looks natural even when used as a decorative plate.

The flat shape exudes an international feel and looks great with any type of food served on it, including hors d'oeuvres, salads, grilled meat and fish, finger foods, and sushi.

When not on the dining table, you can place it on the included plate stand to make it a focal point of your interior (a place or object that draws the eye, such as a tokonoma or fireplace), adding a touch of elegance to the space.

This vessel is great for both use and viewing.

Wajima lacquerware, deeply connected to the earth, is condensed into this piece

In the past, lacquerers who set out on peddling trade trips on Kitamae-bune ships would look up at the sun shining on the sea and pray for a safe voyage. The "Sun Vessel" also embodies the gratitude and awe towards nature that has been passed down through the generations of the people of Noto.

This vessel has evolved thanks to the support of customers who sympathize with the way Wajima lacquerware is deeply connected to the earth.

The products are popular with a wide range of people, regardless of age or gender, and in response to requests for them to be made in other colors, the products were initially only available in red, but in recent years have been expanded to include blue and tin variations.

"I bought the red one last year, so I think I'll get the blue one this year."

Many customers have been freely interacting with these pieces as they please, whether it be buying one piece at a time like an annual plate, buying a set of different colors as a gift, or using them as decorative plates. Thanks to this, "Taiyo no Utsuwa" has become a long-selling item at Taya Lacquerware Store.

Every time we see or hear about this, we feel a sense of hope for a new era.

Through lacquer, we communicate with nature, engage in two-way communication with our customers, and give shape to our work.

We would like to continue to cherish these vessels as they return to the origins of the lacquer shop.