Description
Hyozaemon Kezuri Carved Chopsticks - Handmade Japanese Chopsticks in Black and Red
Kezuri-bashi carved chopsticks by Hyozaemon are handmade Japanese chopsticks shaved pair by pair by artisans, with natural urushi lacquer on the tips. The finely carved surface gives a secure, comfortable grip that fits the hand better the more you use it.
About Hyozaemon - Chopstick Makers Since 1921
Hyozaemon Co., Ltd. is a specialist chopstick maker in Obama City, Fukui Prefecture, founded in 1921. Under the motto "chopsticks are food," the company puts user safety first and insists on natural urushi lacquer for the tips that touch the mouth. Every product is handcrafted one pair at a time.
Why Kezuri Carved Chopsticks Are Easy to Use
Artisans shave each pair carefully to create subtle unevenness across the surface, so the chopsticks settle into the hand with use. The same fine texture on the tips resists slipping, giving a firm hold on noodles and other hard-to-grip foods. This combination of comfortable grip and reliable pick-up has earned the series long-standing support from customers.
Chosen for International Summits
"Hashiro," a kezuri chopstick threaded at the centre so it can be carried in a case, was selected by the Japanese government as a gift for visiting world leaders at the G7 Toyako Summit and the Ise-Shima Summit held in Japan, in recognition of its manufacturing quality. Because Obama City shares its spelling and pronunciation with the name Obama, kezuri chopsticks were also used when the city presented chopsticks to mark President Obama's inauguration in the United States.
Materials, Sizes and Care
- Black chopsticks: ebony wood base, sizes 23.5cm (large) and 21.5cm (medium)
- Red chopsticks: Manilkara wood base, 21.5cm (medium)
- Tips: natural urushi lacquer
- Made in: Obama City, Fukui Prefecture, Japan
The lacquer on the tips thins with years of use. In Japan the maker offers a re-lacquering service for the kezuri series, which is why many customers keep a single pair for a lifetime.
■Item Spec
Size: Black: Large 23.5cm, Medium 21.5cm / Red: Medium 21.5cm
Weight: Black large 21g, Black medium 19g, Red medium 15g