SHIZQ Kamehachi Cup

Urushi lacquer also helps protect the surface of the wood. As the vessel is used over time, it gradually settles into the hand and develops a character all its own—one of the distinctive pleasures of the wiped-urushi finish.

The Kamehachi Series brings together the grain and growth rings of Kamiyama cedar with the deep luster created by layers of urushi lacquer and careful polishing.

Cedar grown over many decades. Its grain and growth rings are enriched through repeated layers of wiped urushi lacquer and careful polishing, creating the distinctive luster of the Kamehachi Series.

Finished without sparing time or effort, each piece carries a sense of elegance and dignity worthy of life’s most important milestones.

For weddings, retirements, anniversaries, and longevity celebrations. As a meaningful expression of gratitude, or as a commemorative gift for ceremonies and special occasions.

While rooted in the traditional Japanese material of urushi lacquer, the forms are clean and contemporary. They sit naturally not only in Japanese interiors, but also within modern homes and dining settings.

No two pieces share the same grain or growth rings. The way each surface catches the light, and the luster it reveals, is unique to every cup, bowl, and plate.

The years a cedar tree spent growing in the mountains are joined by the time and craftsmanship invested in layers of lacquer and polishing, then passed forward into the life of the person who will use it.

For an important milestone, choose something that will remain close at hand for years to come—and bring back the memory of the day it was given each time it is used.

The Kamehachi Series is made to carry those feelings forward.

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 these differences even more pronounced.

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 emerge in lighter tones that can appear almost golden.

These golden-looking growth rings are not painted or artificially colored. They are a natural expression created by the properties of the cedar itself and the way the urushi penetrates the wood.

In the Kamehachi Series, more than eight layers of wiped urushi lacquer are applied and then carefully polished, giving the grain and growth rings a deep luster. The appearance of a single vessel changes beautifully depending on where the light falls and the angle from which it is viewed.

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

Rather than making every piece uniformly beautiful, we use urushi and polishing to bring out the grain and growth rings that belong to that piece of wood alone.

We hope you enjoy the unique luster and landscape found in the one cup, bowl, or plate you hold in your hands.

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.