SHIZQ Kame Sake Cup

The SHIZQ “Kame” Series brings out the grain and growth rings of Kamiyama cedar, finished with wiped urushi lacquer to create a deep, calm expression.

Wiped urushi is a finishing technique in which lacquer is applied, wiped away, and allowed to soak into the wood, with the process repeated several times. In the Kame Series, this process is carried out approximately five times.

Rather than covering the grain, the finish preserves the natural character of the cedar while adding the depth of color and durability unique to urushi.

The result is a refined matte surface that does not strongly reflect light. To the touch, it feels smooth and dry, while the subtle texture of the growth rings remains perceptible beneath the fingertips.

Urushi does more than enhance the appearance of the wood; it also helps protect the surface. As each piece is used over time, it gradually settles into the hand and develops its own character—one of the pleasures unique to a wiped-urushi vessel.

Rather than decorating the material, the Kame Series is about experiencing the cedar itself more deeply.

The quiet growth rings of cedar formed over many years, together with layers of wiped urushi applied carefully by hand.

The Kame Series carries a sense of calm and dignity—something different from overt decoration or brilliance.

For weddings, retirements, anniversaries, longevity celebrations, meaningful expressions of gratitude, and commemorative gifts for ceremonies and special occasions.

Although it uses urushi, one of Japan’s traditional materials, the design is clean and contemporary. It feels at home not only on a Japanese table, but also in modern everyday life.

No two pieces share the same grain or growth rings. Every cup, bowl, or plate given as a gift has an expression entirely its own.

It honors the time already lived, while staying close to the time still to come.

For life’s important milestones, the Kame Series is made for those who want to give something that can be used and cherished for many years.

Just as no two trees are exactly alike, no two SHIZQ vessels share the same expression.

The spacing of the growth rings, the movement of the grain, the resin, and the knots all reflect the time and environment in which each cedar tree grew over many years.

In the Kame and Kamehachi Series, the application of wiped urushi lacquer makes the character of the wood even more distinct.

The softer layers formed during periods of rapid growth absorb more lacquer and take on a deep brown tone. The harder layers formed during slower growth, along with areas containing resin or knots, absorb the lacquer differently, causing the growth rings to appear lighter, sometimes with a golden quality.

These lighter growth rings are not painted or colored gold. They are a natural expression created by differences in the hardness of the cedar and the way the urushi penetrates the wood.

Variations in tone, resin, and knots are not stains or artificially added patterns, but traces of the life of the tree itself.

Rather than hiding these characteristics, wiped urushi brings out the individuality of each piece of wood.

As you look at the growth rings and feel them beneath your fingertips, imagine the time the tree spent growing. With the Kame Series, we invite you to enjoy the landscape created by cedar and urushi together.

In Kamiyama, Tokushima, the amount of water flowing through the rivers has decreased by approximately 30% compared with 30 years ago.

The Kamiyama Shizuku Project began with the aim of restoring the water-retaining capacity of the mountains by caring for overcrowded cedar plantations and making meaningful use of the trees that are removed.

Caring for the forest also means using the harvested timber responsibly and connecting it to new forms of value.

SHIZQ transforms Kamiyama cedar into objects people will want to use and cherish for years, creating a new connection between the forest and everyday life.

Using a SHIZQ product—or giving one to someone important—is also a small action that brings attention to the forests of Kamiyama and supports this ongoing effort.

From using a single cedar tree, back to the forest.
From the forest, to the water.
And from the water, to the children who will inherit the future.

So that we can leave as many “shizuku”—drops of water—as possible for generations to come.

We hope that each small effort we make will become a single drop, and that those drops will one day spread outward in ever-widening ripples.

【Important Notes for Use】

SHIZQ wooden products are individually handcrafted from natural Kamiyama cedar. Please enjoy them for many years while keeping in mind the unique characteristics of wooden tableware.

【General Guidelines】

・Because each piece is handcrafted, slight variations in size and shape may occur.

・Marks from the turning and crafting process may remain on some pieces. Every item is inspected, and only those with no issues in appearance, strength, or usability are delivered. Please enjoy these details as part of the character of handcraftsmanship and natural materials.

・Metal cutlery may scratch or damage the wood or surface finish. Please avoid using metal cutlery with plates, bowls, and similar items.

・Do not use in a dishwasher, dish dryer, microwave, refrigerator, or similar appliance. Sudden changes in temperature or humidity may cause warping, cracking, or deterioration of the surface finish.

・The products can be used with warm foods and drinks, but please avoid pouring boiling water directly into them. As a general guideline, use at temperatures of approximately 60°C or below.

・Do not leave the product submerged in water or beverages for extended periods.

・If moisture begins to penetrate the wood during use, discontinue use temporarily. Depending on the condition, we may also be able to provide repair services.

【Tsuru Series】

・The surface is finished with a water-resistant clear coating, allowing the products to be used with coffee, tea, and foods containing oils.

・After washing, allow the product to air-dry or gently wipe away moisture with a soft cloth. The surface repels water well and dries relatively quickly.

【Kame & Kamehachi Series】

・Avoid prolonged soaking and direct sunlight.

・After use, wipe away moisture with a soft cloth and allow the product to dry thoroughly in a well-ventilated place.

・For storage, we also recommend a well-ventilated location where moisture will not accumulate.


【Care】

・Use a mild detergent without abrasives and a soft sponge or cloth.

・Do not use hard sponges, metal scrubbers, abrasive cleaners, or similar materials, as they may scratch the wood or surface finish.

・After washing, do not leave moisture on the product. Allow it to dry thoroughly before storing.


【Repairs】

SHIZQ offers repair services according to the condition of each product so that you can continue using your vessel for as long as possible.

・For cracks, chips, or other damage caused by many years of use, we will inspect the condition and advise you on possible repairs. If you notice any damage or unusual changes, please stop using the product and contact us as soon as possible. When addressed at an early stage, the area requiring repair may be kept to a minimum.

・For products in the Kame and Kamehachi Series, if the urushi lacquer becomes thin through continued use, recoating may also be available depending on the condition.

・Repair costs will be estimated after we inspect the condition of the product. To help you continue using your SHIZQ piece for many years, our repair charges are generally based on the actual costs required for the work. Round-trip shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer.

・If you would like to request a repair, please contact us through our [Contact Form](https://shizq.store/pages/contact "Contact Form"). Including photographs that clearly show the condition of the product will help us assist you more smoothly.