Urushi Gallery Kyuuemon

Kawada in Sabae City, Fukui Prefecture, where Maruyama Kyuuemon Shoten is based, is a historic production area for Echizen lacquerware. The region has developed over some 1,500 years as a "lacquer village," and today supplies a large share of professional-use lacquerware to inns and restaurants throughout Japan.

Within this environment, the Kyuuemon family has mastered the full range of lacquerware processes — from tapping raw lacquer and preparing the wooden base to coating and decoration — and has helped to spread the lacquerware trade. Over generations, the company has been recognised as a purveyor to the Imperial Household Agency, and in 1979 received the Order of the Sacred Treasure, 5th class, as the first recipient of this honour in Kawada.

While manufacturing and wholesaling remain the core of its business, the company also operates "Urushi Gallery Kyuuemon," an official online shop dedicated to Echizen lacquerware. The shop offers a broad selection of items including soup bowls, rice bowls, pair bowls for couples, cups and sake ware, plates, jubako boxes, bento boxes and flower vases, which can be browsed by item category, purpose, gift occasion and price range.

In addition to new products, Maruyama Kyuuemon Shoten provides repair services for lacquerware, such as fixing chips and scratches, recoating and restoring carved decorations. By returning cherished pieces to a usable state, the company supports a lifestyle in which high-quality lacquerware can be used and maintained over many years.

Through its corporate website and online journal, the company also publishes articles about topics such as the price of urushi, how to choose tableware and recommended souvenirs from Fukui. By sharing knowledge drawn from its long experience in the Kawada production area, Maruyama Kyuuemon Shoten aims to deepen understanding of urushi and Japanese food culture while continuing to propose lacquerware that fits contemporary living.

Rooted in a 1,500-year-old "lacquer village"

Maruyama Kyuuemon Shoten is located in Kawada, Sabae City, Fukui Prefecture, a historic production area for Echizen lacquerware with a history said to span some 1,500 years. Within this environment, the company has mastered the full range of lacquerware processes and continues to support both professional and household use of Echizen lacquerware.

Purveyor to the Imperial Household Agency

Over generations, the Kyuuemon family has been recognised as a purveyor to the Imperial Household Agency, and in 1979 received the Order of the Sacred Treasure, 5th class, as the first honouree in Kawada. This history reflects the high level of trust placed in the company's craftsmanship and long-standing contribution to the lacquerware industry.

From manufacturing and wholesale to direct-to-consumer sales

In addition to manufacturing and wholesaling lacquerware to retailers and the interior sector, the company operates its own online store, Urushi Gallery Kyuuemon. The shop offers a wide lineup of Echizen lacquerware that can be filtered by item type, usage scene, gift occasion and price, making it easy for customers to choose pieces for everyday use or special events.

Repairs and urushi coating workshops

To help people use their favourite lacquerware for as long as possible, Maruyama Kyuuemon Shoten offers repair services such as fixing chips and recoating. It also runs urushi coating workshops where participants can experience part of the production process. By offering opportunities to use, maintain and learn about lacquerware, the company works to sustain urushi culture for the future.