[Lacquer Coffee Cup]

We bought a Scandinavian coffee cup at a flea market a few years ago. We liked it so much that we have been looking for something with the same vibe ever since, but haven't been able to find it.

Created in 2005, Wajima Kirimoto's Coffee Cup has a modern design that is reminiscent of old Scandinavian cups, even today, and a divine appearance reminiscent of Mt. Fuji. A few years ago, we happened to pass by a semi-underground gallery in Meguro, Tokyo, and saw a young man displaying a novel maki-e lacquered sake cup, who turned out to be the eighth generation of Wajima Kirimoto, a company that has been working with wood and lacquer for over 200 years. When we saw this coffee cup, the words "onkochishin (new learning from the past)" came to mind, recalling his unprecedented ideas and his enthusiastic talk about the craftsmen involved in lacquer work, and although it may sound a little exaggerated and pompous, we felt that we could see hope for the future of lacquer art.

The wide-based form has a sense of stability, making it safe to drink while working. Made of natural wood, it does not transfer heat to the outside like lacquer bowls, so the bowl does not get hot even when filled with hot drinks. Protected by nine layers of lacquer on a cloth-clad base for strength, the vessel is sturdy, plump, and gives a sense of depth. The more you use it, the more you will enjoy the way it becomes shiny and changes its expression. Lacquer must be surprised that coffee will one day be poured into lacquerware, which has been popular in Japan for 9,000 years.

Wajima Kirimoto's Coffee Cup
https://www.shokunin.com/en/kirimoto/coffee.html 
Ginza Showroom (Open from 12:00-18:00 on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday)
https://www.shokunin.com/en/showroom/ginza.html 

Reference
http://kirimoto.net