Where Tokushima Indigo Meets Kyoto Lacquer
An award-winning masterpiece of contemporary Japanese craft. This exceptional plate features a singular expression of ai-urushi (藍漆)—a rare, sophisticated finish that layers prized Awa indigo with natural, raw urushi lacquer.

The translucent blue of the indigo dissolves into the deep luster of the lacquer. From one angle, the plate reads as a rich, atmospheric navy; from another, a translucent, shifting blue. Beneath this surface, a hand-cut White Sycamore wood veneer is arranged in a radial sunburst pattern (Kōsen-bari), creating a mesmerizing interplay of light, shadow, and depth that evolves with every viewpoint.

An Award-Winning Modern Masterpiece
Celebrated for bridging ancient tradition with modern lifestyle, this piece received two prestigious accolades:

• United Arrows Award | Japan Wa-Culture Grand Prix
  "A beautiful work in which skill, material, and sensibility are expressed at the highest level—and one that I can easily imagine finding its place in our customers' daily lives." — Maiko Tamura, Brand Director, TABAYA by United Arrows
• Craft Award | DENTO Awards
  "Advancing traditional techniques to create new value is exactly what contemporary craft most needs today... A work of high completion that brings a freshness of texture unlike anything seen before." — NPO DENTO Jury

The Convergence of Three Master Crafts
The Heritage Indigo (Awa-ai): Sourced from Tokushima, where indigo cultivation is a registered Important Intangible Cultural Heritage. The tadeai (Japanese indigo) plant is meticulously hand-cultivated, harvested, and fermented into sukumo by a single master producer.

• The Sacred Lacquer (Urushi): Applied in collaboration with the legendary Tsutsumi Asagichi Urushi-ten merchant in Kyoto. Used in Japan for over 10,000 years, natural urushi is incredibly resilient—highly resistant to heat, acids, and alkalis.
• The Living Finish: True to the soul of authentic Japanese lacquerware, the ai-urushi finish is never static. With everyday use and time, the lacquer film will steadily deepen in richness, warmth, and translucent sheen.

Product Specifications

Material: White Sycamore
Finish: Ai-urushi — Awa indigo × natural urushi lacquer
Renowned for its ripple figure, the wood's radial grain sinks deep into the sumi-urushi black, surfacing with a subtle shimmer as it catches angled light.
Dimensions: Ø 14.2" × 0.5" H (Ø 360× 12 mm)

Product Care

• Hand-wash only, and wipe dry immediately with a soft cloth to prevent warping or cracking from prolonged moisture.
• Avoid exposure to direct sunlight, extreme temperature changes, high humidity, or refrigeration.
• Do not leave oily or strongly colored foods on the surface for extended periods.
• Not suitable for use in microwave ovens or dishwashers.
• Please note that each handcrafted piece features its own unique wood grain and color variations.
• Note on Urushi: Fully cured lacquer rarely causes skin reactions, but if an allergic response occurs, please consult a medical professional.

Ships within 2 business days if in stock. Once sold out, contact us at help@arj.la to inquire about availability.