Prime Minister Kishida's Gifted Coffee Cup and Pen Attract Massive Attention
Produced at Wajima Lacquerware Specialty Store
Coffee Cup Named Saekin by Jo·Jil Priced at 530,000 KRW
Pen Features Symbols Representing the US and Japan, Priced at 600,000 KRW
Coffee cup from Taya engraved with the names of President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden [Photo by Taya Chilgijeom]
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's commemorative gift presented to U.S. President Joe Biden is gaining popularity. The stars are a traditional Japanese lacquerware coffee cup and pen from Wajimanuri (輪島塗, Wajima-san lacquerware). Wajima is a city in Ishikawa Prefecture located on the Noto Peninsula's northern part, facing the Sea of Japan in central Honshu, an area that suffered significant damage from earthquakes. It is famous for Wajimanuri and its morning market. The manufacturer is Taya Lacquerware Shop, which has a history of over 200 years in Wajima. Starting as a workshop in 1818 and officially launching its business in 1916, it is still run by the third generation of the family.
Initially, Prime Minister Kishida said he would bring Wajimanuri products abroad while inspecting disaster-affected areas. In early March, Taya Lacquerware Shop received an official request from the government to produce lacquerware coffee cups. About three weeks after the government's commission, local artisans who could use the workshop produced the items. This place also suffered damage to its first floor from the earthquake that occurred in January, so each artisan worked from home to complete the coffee cups.
The coffee cups feature a gradient of blue and black, representing the night sea seen from Noto, with the first names of the Biden couple inscribed using the maki-e technique. Maki-e involves painting pictures, patterns, or letters on the lacquer surface and sprinkling metal powders such as gold or silver before it dries. The cups are made from zelkova wood dried for two years, making them lightweight and warp-resistant. The absence of a handle is because the heat is transmitted outward, so even when hot coffee is poured, the outside does not become hot. This allows for slowly enjoying warm coffee. Conversely, when cold beverages are poured, no condensation forms. The price is 59,000 yen (530,000 KRW) including VAT, with an additional 3,000 yen (27,000 KRW) for a dedicated paulownia wood box.
The pen Prime Minister Kishida gifted to President Joe Biden. At the top, a white-headed eagle, and at the bottom, a phoenix dancing. [Photo by Taya Chilgijeom]
The pen depicts a friendly dance between the bald eagle, a symbol of the United States, and the phoenix, a symbol of Japan, to represent the friendship between the two countries. The base material is hiba wood from the Noto Peninsula. The pen refill is an American Cross product. The price is 66,000 yen (600,000 KRW) including VAT, with an additional 3,000 yen for a dedicated paulownia wood box. The company stated, "Orders have exceeded expectations, and currently, there is nearly a two-year waiting period," adding, "We hope that many people will come to appreciate the charm of Wajimanuri, benefiting the Noto Peninsula and Wajima."
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