Yamada Heiando (山田平安堂), a lacquerware specialty shop founded in 1919, has added two new designs, Raikou (a legendary Pokémon) and Yamper, to its "Pokémon Eto Kowan" (ポケモン 干支小椀), a small lacquer bowl made in collaboration with Pokémon. Each bowl is decorated by a craftsman one piece at a time using the traditional "maki-e" (蒔絵) technique, and the lineup now comes in eight designs.
Highlights
- New designs for the "Pokémon Eto Kowan," made by Pokémon and Yamada Heiando, a lacquerware specialty shop founded in 1919
- In the year marking the 30th anniversary of the release of Pokémon Red and Green (ポケットモンスター 赤・緑), the legendary Pokémon Raikou joins the lineup
- A new Yamper design goes on sale at the same time
- Craftsmen with decades of experience depict the Pokémon one piece at a time in "maki-e"
- With these additions, the "Pokémon Eto Kowan" now comes in eight designs
Craftsmen depict each Pokémon in maki-e one piece at a time, giving the designs a gentle, hand-painted touch.
Hand-Painted "Pokémon Eto Kowan"
Even now, 30 years after the release of Pokémon Red and Green, new titles continue to be announced, and Pokémon remains loved across generations. Going beyond games and animation, it has become a familiar part of everyday life for parents and children alike. The "Pokémon Eto Kowan" combines Pokémon with the traditional techniques of Yamada Heiando, founded in 1919, and has been well received since its launch. New designs for the bowl have now been completed in lacquer.
The Legendary Pokémon Raikou Arrives
"Pokémon Eto Kowan" Raikou
The bowl is made of natural wood finished in lacquer, so it does not get hot easily even when filled with steaming miso soup, which makes it reassuring for children. Its low foot ring is designed to resist spills, and the bowl is also chosen as baby tableware.
The Pokémon seem to gently watch over mealtimes with children. Their soft touch is painted one piece at a time using traditional techniques by lacquer craftsmen who have spent decades honing their skills.
With the wish that children grow up strong and open up their own futures, the first of the new designs depicts Raikou, the legendary Pokémon that races across the land.
Yamper, the Puppy Pokémon, Goes on Sale at the Same Time
"Pokémon Eto Kowan" Yamper
A bowl with a Yamper design, carrying the wish for lively days filled with fun mealtimes, is being released at the same time. Yamper is the Pokémon that runs about wrapped in crackling electricity.
A child's first baby food, or the moment of trying a new food, is likened to meeting a new companion while adventuring through the world of Pokémon, or to the joy of seeing a partner grow and evolve. Yamada Heiando hopes the bowl will be one that watches over and celebrates each happy step of a child's daily growth.
All eight designs of the "Pokémon Eto Kowan" are now available.
Made Entirely by Hand, from Natural Wood to Lacquered Bowl
The process begins with "kijibiki" (木地挽き), in which the wood is shaped into the form of a bowl. Next comes "nuri" (塗り), in which lacquer is applied with care, sanded, and dried over and over while temperature and humidity are strictly controlled. The final step is "maki-e," a traditional technique in which gold powder is sprinkled over a lacquer painting to create a shine.
Every one of these steps in making the "Pokémon Eto Kowan" is done by hand.
Because the bowl is made from natural wood and lacquer, the sap of the tree, it is made of natural materials that are safe for children to eat from and touch.
Wooden items also have excellent heat-insulating properties. Even when hot food is placed in the bowl, the bowl itself does not get hot easily, so it is safe for children to hold.
A video of the making of the "Pokémon Eto Kowan" is available on YouTube.
Over 100 Years as a Lacquerware Specialty Shop: The History of Yamada Heiando
"I want to introduce the charm of Kyoto lacquerware in Tokyo."
With this wish, 山田孝之助 founded the Yamada Lacquerware Shop (山田漆器店) in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, in 1919.
Later, the third-generation owner, 山田達男, moved the shop to Daikanyama, where it remains today, out of a desire to let more young people see lacquerware.
The Daikanyama main store always has around 800 items on display.
The GINZA SIX store (Ginza) opened in 2017 in Ginza, a district where tradition and novelty coexist.
"Lacquerware that is closer to daily life and more fun"
While honoring the traditions of its predecessors, the company aims to propose lacquerware that suits modern lifestyles, and it designs and plans at least 90% of the products it presents in-house.
As a lacquerware specialty shop, it has supplied lacquerware since the days when the Imperial Household Agency was still called the Imperial Household Ministry. The company takes on all orders for the cups used in ceremonies for members of the imperial family and for the lacquerware used at Japanese embassies in various countries, and its work has been used by government ministries and by countries around the world.
It has also been involved in making lacquerware for many historic temples and shrines, including Ise Jingu (伊勢神宮), Naritasan Shinshoji (成田山新勝寺), 古峰神社, Kanda Shrine (神田神社), and 満願寺. Its lacquerware is widely used in Japan and abroad for everything from corporate commemorative items and gifts for important people to personal gifts.
"Pokémon Eto Kowan" Product Details
- Name: Pokémon Eto Kowan (ポケモン 干支小椀)
- Price: from ¥22,000 (tax included)
- Designs: Pikachu, Ekans, Dragonite, Torchic, Swinub, Ponyta, Yamper, Raikou
- Colors: Black, vermilion
- Specifications: Lacquer finish / natural wood
- Size: 10 cm in diameter × 6.3 cm in height
- Accessories: A baby spoon (a natural wood, lacquered spoon with a gentle feel in the mouth) is included
- Personalized name lettering in the traditional maki-e technique is also available (up to 6 characters)
Note: At the time of the announcement, eight designs were introduced. "Eto Kowan" bowls featuring other Pokémon designs are planned to be released in the future.
The bowls are available at Yamada Heiando's official online shop.
"Pokémon Eto Kowan" product page: https://www.yamada-heiando.jp/c/pokemon/etokowan
