Kiso Sabitsuchi-dama/木曽錆土玉

Kiso Sabitsuchi is a traditional material that has long been used in the Kiso lacquerware production area as a lacquer undercoat. Like tonoko (powdered whetstone), it is kneaded with water and then mixed with raw lacquer to create sabi-urushi (a rust-colored lacquer filler). Rich in iron content, it is said to provide higher strength, and has traditionally been used to create the durable undercoating characteristic of Kiso lacquerware.

While sabitsuchi is sometimes pressed into flat board-like forms, the pieces we have obtained this time are the rarer “Sabitsuchi-dama”, hand-kneaded by artisans. Today, there are no longer craftsmen who make these, making them an extremely rare and hard-to-find material.

Naturally, availability is limited to current stock only.

Since each piece is handmade, there will be individual differences. Each ball weighs roughly 250g–350g, but they are sold at the same price regardless of weight. We kindly ask for your understanding