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[33] no title contributor:Jon Davis contribution day:2009/03/02(Mon) 10:48  

I received the items I ordered this past Friday and they are exquisite. The bizen sake set is particularly brilliant. In the photos the color looks like various shades of brown and grey, with a few spots of rust colored orange on the cups. The item in the light before you explodes into myriad shades of brown and white and grey and gold and purple. The colors change as you turn it in your hand, because the surface is so irregular and the light plays differently on each tiny facet.

As delighted as I am with the products that I purchased (the sake set as well as some chops sticks), I am more delighted with the way in which I received them. The box was expertly packed, and each individual item was meticulously wrapped in beautiful materials. The level of care and attention to detail given to the simple task of shipping an internet order was such that I was overwhelmed by the obvious pride and satisfaction you must derive from providing fine goods to those of us in the rest of the world.

Thank you so much,
Jon

[32] Re:[31] Urushi Chopsticks Rests contributor:owner contribution day:2009/02/16(Mon) 17:48  

I investigated it and found three reasons as follows.

1. Japanese prefer odd numbers rather than even numbers. We have celebrations on Jan. 1st, March 3rd, May 5th and July 7th. But, we do not have any holidays on Feb. 2nd, Apr. 4th and June 6thc
2. 4 is considered a bad luck number and is connected with gdeathh.
3. Asymmetrical is good in a tea ceremony. 3 and 5 is better than 4 and 6.

In China, a table is set to mark the 4 points of the compass. They believe it is good luck. Therefore, Chinese ware comes in a set of 4.

It was an interesting story for me. I appreciated giving me a chance to investigate.


[31] Urushi Chopsticks Rests contributor:Paul Jewett contribution day:2009/02/11(Wed) 21:26  

I have just received the Black Urushi Chopsticks rests. They arrived in excellent condition and in a very short period of time. Thank you. They were packaged/presented beautifully. Many thanks also for the 'additional' gift at the bottom of the box.

Just a question. Why do many Japanese items come in sets of five? This is in contrast to the UK where sets are often of either 4 or 6 pieces. I have several other Japanese items I have purchased in London (e.g. tea cups) and these are also in a set of 5.

Regards

Paul

[30] no title contributor:LoisCrawford contribution day:2009/01/26(Mon) 03:15  

I have a Sake bowl and bottle which is dark blue with red, blue yellow andgreen flowers. I did not see this
on your web site could you please tell me how much it would be worth and if you still sell this pattern. Thank you Lois Crawford

[29] Re:[28] Nasu Chopsticks and Imari Rests contributor:owner contribution day:2008/12/06(Sat) 11:15  

Dear Dave,

I think it is a good idea you give someone chopsticks as gift.
Chopsticks gifts are popular in middle and high class people.
Most of the Japanese use chopsticks every day, but they do not buy very good one which we are selling. I give our chopsticks to my parents. They loved them and were very happy.

Good choice!

Best regards,
Yutaka


[28] Nasu Chopsticks and Imari Rests contributor:Dave Britton contribution day:2008/12/03(Wed) 21:22  

I recently received the Nasu chopsticks and Imari chopstick rests from my most recent order, These are a Christmas gift for a co-worker; I had already purchased my own sets. These chopsticks are a very good value. They're easy to use, are very well made, and are meticulously finished. They are perfect for anyone who wants high quality chopsticks that are attractive but not overly fancy.

This order was received in perfect condition, well packaged,and it arrived very quickly. Thanks for the extras.

[27] Re:[25] Early Christmas Shopping contributor:owner contribution day:2008/11/19(Wed) 15:52  

Dear Dave,

I appreciated your honest comments about each of your purchases.
Your knowledgeable feedback helps us to better assist our customers.

Thank you very much for your continued business.

Beat regards,
Yutaka

[26] Sake set Bizen Shusen Shibaoka 2 contributor:Dave Britton contribution day:2008/11/17(Mon) 07:57  

I never left feedback for this sake set when I purchased it because I had very mixed feelings about it. I decided to use it for a while and then make my comments.

Bizen is very dynamic i.e. it is not at all symetrical like Kutani porcelain. Bizenware is placed in the kiln and typically only 3 out of 10 pieces survive the firing process. Until those few survivors are removed from the kiln it's difficult for even an experienced Bizen potter to predict what they'll look like. Nature does with them whatever it chooses to do, and the results are very diverse. As far as looks go, Bizen is a matter of personal taste,random luck, and an open mind.

This sake set, although shown from all sides in the posted pictures, wasn't so attractive when it was actually in front of me. However, I decided to try using it anyway. The very first time I used it I was impressed with both its functionality and the great taste of the sake that it served. Over a period of several months of use, this rather ugly sake set has actually become my first choice of sake ware when drinking hot sake, which is usually accompanied by sushi.

The dents in the Tokkuri (bottle) make it very easy to get a firm grasp and to pour the hot sake without spilling and without the bottle slipping.

I don't know why tea and sake served in Bizenware taste so good, but they really do. This is true of every Bizen piece I own. When using these items, there is a very natural feeling accompanied by that great Bizen taste. This tends to offset any visual discomfort that the dynamics of Bizen can give to some people, myself included.

Yutaka, thanks for being patient and answering my comments so thoroughly when I contacted you after receiving this set. You said it was very functional and if I used it regularly I might eventually like it. You were absolutely correct. I like it a lot more now than I had thought was possible.

[25] Early Christmas Shopping contributor:Dave Britton contribution day:2008/11/16(Sun) 18:51  

I started my Christmas shopping last week and just received my order from Japanese Hand Craft. I purchased the Imari Kinran 1 + 2 sake set, the Imari Egawai set of five sake-wine cups and saucers, and a set of five pairs of Kobai chopsticks with the Imari Igawari chopstick rests. The chopstick rests are just acceptable, I have a set of these myself and mine are noticeably better made. I think they need better quality control on these. All of the other items are superb. The Kinran sake set is extremely attractive and well made. The Egawai cups and saucers also look great and lightly rubbing or touching them on the edge gives a high pitched ring. I have Chinese "singing" cups that are supposed to do this but don't even come close. The Imaris do it without even trying. I think this is a sign of exceptional quality control during the manufacturing and firing of these cups. The Kobai chopsticks were quite a surprise. They look significantly better than the pictures, which looked quite good. I may purchase a set for myself. They appear to be well worth the money.

Thanks for yet another great order of high quality Japanese products accompanied by the typical high level of Japanese service, secure packaging, and fast shipping.

[24] Re:[23] Thank you for your quick shipping of great craft contributor:owner contribution day:2008/11/06(Thu) 11:29  

Thank you very much for your business.
I am really glad you are happy.
I keep finding the way to please all my customers.
Please come back soon.

Best regards,
Yutaka

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