Small set of stacking cherry bowls, coated with a wipe-on urushi lacquer finish. Each bowl was turned on the lathe from dry cherry and then intentionally warped creating a unique contrast between the organic shape of the rim and the round base.
Sizes
Small : 85mm diamter x 45mm tall (approx. 3 3/8″ diameter x 1 3/4″ tall)
Medium : 100mm diameter x 45mm tall (approx. 4″ diameter x 1 3/4″ tall)
Large : 115mm diamter x 45mm tall (approx. 4.5″ diameter x 1 3/4″ tall)
Care Notes
With a little proper care and attention urushi lacquer ware is very durable and long lived.
Washing is best done by hand with a mild detergent soap. Scrub pads and sponges should be avoided to preserve the quality and sheen of the finish. Once washed, simply towel dry, and place out of direct sunlight.
About Urushi Lacquer
Urushi lacquer is a natural finish that comes from the sap of urushi trees. Urushi sap contains a chemical compound called urushiol; the same chemical that gives poison ivy it’s bad reputation. In a liquid state urushi lacquer can cause severe reactions in people allergic to urushiol. However once fully cured, the urushiol becomes inert and safe to handle.
Urushi sap is harvested and processed to remove impurities. Once applied, urushi requires a humid environment to properly cure. After being applied to a wooden bowl or other tableware urushi is cured in a temperature and humidity controlled box. After a few days the urushi dries and becomes safe to handle.
Urushi is strong against acids, alkali, alcohol, and has a high temperature resistance. These strengths have made urushi lacquer a traditional finish for daily use on soup bowls, spoons, cups, etc. in Japan and China for hundreds of years.
