Kusunoki Wood Bento Box Medium

Urushi Lacquer Finish

Each box is lacquered using a traditional Japanese method that involves “urushi,” a milky sap obtained from trees that are heated for many hours, filtered, and cooled before use. Several thin coatings were applied to the bento box and then cured for up to one week in a humid, dust-free environment. Each box must be sanded and a final coating applied as part of the finishing process. Three layers are put into each box due to the cost. To achieve its enduring high gloss finish, bento boxes from the Edo era (1603-1868) would have had up to thirty layers applied.

Kusunoki (楠 “camphor wood”)

For our Kusunoki Bento Box series, we’ve decided to use Kusunoki (Camphor Wood) for the raw materials. Sourced from sustainable resources in southern Japan and southeast China, have naturally existing antibacterial characteristics that inhibit microbial growth. As a result, Camphor Wood is an excellent choice for objects used in the kitchen and for serving meals. According to research, anti-microbial compounds found in Camphor Wood after it has been dried include substances found naturally in foods and spices such as sassafras, nutmeg, star anise, cinnamon, and cacao.

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