Daikokuya

Artist : Katsuhiko Takeda
Material : Ebony, Ironwood
Area : Sumida, Tokyo, Japan

Daikokuya's Edo wooden chopsticks are crafted with meticulous attention to detail, prioritizing functionality down to the tips. Made from carefully selected precious woods like ebony, rosewood, ironwood, and other rare materials, these chopsticks highlight the natural beauty of the wood itself. The polygonal design allows fingers to comfortably grip the surface, making them easy to hold and handle.

In Sumida and Katsushika wards, the tradition of wooden chopstick-making dates back to the early Taisho era, primarily producing the square-bodied style. Over the years, artisans in the area have refined this craft, innovating to create wooden chopsticks that are both functional and beautiful. Skilled craftsmen handcraft these chopsticks, ensuring a perfect balance between shape, thickness, and weight to suit individual hand sizes, with the goal of finding chopsticks that fit each user’s hands perfectly—a principle emphasized by Katsuhiko Takeda.

These chopsticks are made to last a lifetime and can be repaired or repainted with Urushi lacquer, preserving them as cherished tools in daily life.