Kosakaya Lacquerware Shop | Lacquer-finished Magewappa Mug

This bent wood mug has a rubbed lacquer finish (wiped lacquer) from Kosakaya Lacquerware, located in Kiso Naraijuku, Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture, an area famous for its bent wood and lacquerware. The bentwood products of Kiso Narai-juku have a history of 400 years and are designated as "Traditional Crafts of Nagano Prefecture." In addition to bentwood, lacquerware is also produced in Shiojiri, Nagano Prefecture, and Kiso lacquerware has been designated a "traditional craft" by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. Kiso trees grow slowly due to the cold climate, and are famous throughout the country for their fine, dense, high-quality timber.

List of works by Kosakaya Lacquerware Shop

Magemono craftsman and lacquer painter

The lacquered bento box mug is carefully made by traditional craftsman Takayuki Kojima. He carries out all processes himself, including wood selection, wood processing, bending and lacquering, and is one of the few traditional craftsmen who has inherited the two traditions and techniques of Kiso's "magemono" and "lacquer." Please enjoy these one-of-a-kind masterpieces, each handmade by hand.

The material is Kiso Hinoki and Sawara natural wood.

The bent wood mugs from Kosakaya Lacquerware are made using Kiso cypress for the curved sides and Kiso sawara for the bottom. Both are made from high-quality natural wood grown at the foot of Mt. Ontake and are said to be resistant to water and humidity. In addition, the raw lacquer is applied by rubbing it directly into the wood, which does not impair the wood's breathing and allows the lacquer's antibacterial properties to keep the wood hygienic and delicious.

Genuine lacquer, brushed finish

The lacquered bento box mug is finished with real lacquer. Genuine lacquer means that the lacquer used is 100% pure, and is made using genuine, natural lacquer.

Hot or cold

It can be used for both hot and cold drinks such as coffee and tea. Enjoy your morning cup of coffee in a magewappa mug. Thanks to the artisan's skill and high-quality materials, this mug is very light, easy to hold, and gentle on the mouth. For the first three months, drinks may feel a little milder due to the effects of the wood and lacquer.
[Photo: Woman's hand]

Easy to clean

Magewappa mugs are finished with a rubbed lacquer finish, so even though they are made from natural materials, they are stain-resistant and water-resistant, making them easy to use. After use, wash quickly with a sponge, wipe off the water with a soft cloth, and then wipe with a dry, soft cloth. (You can also wash with detergent.)

Enjoy the changes over time

As lacquer is used, it will develop a glossy finish and change to a bright, beautiful amber color. Enjoy the change in color over time from a deep dark to a light amber color.
Even if the piece of natural wood (solid wood) is the same tree, each piece has a different appearance. Please note that you cannot specify the wood grain or color.
If the lacquer has peeled off after years of use, we can repaint it. We will inform you of the cost after checking the condition of the item. (Shipping costs will be borne by the customer.) If you would like to have it repainted, please contact us by email.
There is a mark on the bottom certifying that it was made by Kosakaya Lacquerware Shop.

We have left-handed magewappa mugs

By changing the position of the wood, we were able to prevent it from hitting the mouth.
Kosakaya Lacquerware Shop has a workshop in Kiso Naraijuku, Nagano Prefecture. Magemono has a 400-year history and is designated as a traditional craft. Traditional craftsman Takayuki Kojima is responsible for all processes, including wood selection, bending, and lacquering, and is one of the few traditional craftsmen who have inherited the two traditions and techniques of Kiso's Magemono and lacquer.


The lacquered bent wood mugs from Kosakaya Lacquerware are made in Kiso Naraijuku, Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture, an area famous for its bent wood and lacquerware.

[Product name] Urushi lacquer bent wood mug
[Size] W110 (including handle) x D78 x H80mm
[Capacity (approximately 80%)] 300ml
[Materials] Bent side: Kiso cypress, bottom: Kiso sawara, handle: laminated wood
[Painting] Genuine lacquer, brushed finish
[Production location] Made in Japan (Kiso Narai-juku, Nagano Prefecture)
[Notes] Kiso Magemono and lacquerware: Designated as traditional crafts

● Before use
- Before use, rinse once with water or lukewarm water, wipe thoroughly with a soft cloth, and dry thoroughly before use.
・The smell of new lacquerware can be removed by soaking it in rice bran for a few days. If the smell bothers you, please try this.

● Precautions for use
After use, wash quickly with a sponge, wipe off the water with a soft cloth, and then wipe with a dry, soft cloth. (You can also wash with detergent.)
-Do not leave in hot water for long periods of time.
・Do not expose to direct sunlight. This may cause the color to change, the luster to fade, or the wood to become distorted.
・Dishwasher × Microwave ×

● Please check
・Even if the product is the same, there will be individual differences in size, color, etc., because the products are handmade. Please enjoy these as the unique characteristics of each product.
・We use natural wood (solid wood). Even if it is the same wood, each piece has a different look, so you cannot specify the grain or color. Thank you for your understanding.