“Unkin” Companion Chopsticks

The Unkin (Cloud and Brocade) motif features both cherry blossoms and maple leaves, symbols of spring and autumn. It allows these chopsticks to be enjoyed across both seasons. For many, cherry blossoms and maples are tied to cherished memories. The term Unkin originates from Yoshino in Nara Prefecture, inspired by a passage in the Kokin Wakashū (Collection of Ancient and Modern Japanese Poems):

“In the autumn evening, the maples flowing along the Tatsuta River appeared as brocade to the eyes of the Emperor,
while the cherry blossoms in the spring morning of Mount Yoshino seemed to Hitomaro’s heart as drifting clouds.”

From this poetic imagery, cherry blossoms came to be likened to “clouds” and maples to “brocade.” This refined metaphor is uniquely Japanese.

・Surface Coating: Urushi lacquer finish
・Base Material: Laminated wood (birch)
・Length: 23.0 cm (9.06 in)