Kuchipaul and Foilichi: A fusion of Japanese and European craftsmanship Gold leaf cutlery on sale from April 27 (Sat)

2024.05.09 09:00

株式会社箔一

Foilichi Co. (Headquarters: Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture; President: Tatsuya Asano) will begin selling cutlery in collaboration with the Portuguese cutlery brand Cutipol on Saturday, April 27, 2024.

cutipol cutlery covered with gold leaf

Cutlery by COUTIPOL expressing tradition and modernity

Guimarães, located in the northern part of Portugal, is the birthplace of the country's first king and a historical city known for its long history of cutlery production. Kuchiphol was born in Guimarães as one of a number of workshops, and has grown into a world-class cutlery brand by introducing modern and innovative designs while inheriting traditional craftsmanship. Cutlery carefully crafted one by one in the workshop, coupled with its reliable quality, is now recognized by the world's top chefs.

Cutlery being carefully made one by one1

Cutlery carefully made one by one2

The encounter between COUTIPOL and traditional Kanazawa foil

When we were conceptualizing Kanazawa foil cutlery, an encounter with COUTIPOL was the starting point for its development. The fusion of Portuguese and Japanese craftsmanship and aesthetics has resulted in tableware with a greater sense of elegance.

Some similarities between Cuchipole and Foilichi

Although born in distant places, Cuchipole and Foil Ichi share some similarities in their origins. Both were born in historic local cities, and both were inspired by a woman who was instrumental in bringing innovation to a traditional industry. Both women brought a new sensibility as consumers to a conservative, male-dominated traditional industry. It is interesting to note that Kuchipole and Foilichi, whose fusion of "tradition and modernity" and "beauty and function" is highly regarded around the world beyond their birthplace, have this in common.

Cutlery with a Japanese spirit

The design born in Portugal has evolved even more beautifully by fusing with Japanese culture. It is not only about design. In Japanese culture, it is customary for each family member to have his or her own cutlery, such as a pair of chopsticks. We offer cutlery that can be used in this way. We recommend this as a new gift that combines Western and Japanese cultures, such as a pair of identical cutlery in different colors for parents or friends of the couple.

■Two suggestions. Gold thread and Chirashi

Foilichi's Scattering Technique

In decorating gold leaf, we have adopted two patterns that adapt traditional techniques to modern orientation.

・Kinshi (gold thread)

Using Foilichi's original technique, gold threads are drawn in every direction. The delicate yet dynamic design is created by hand by craftsmen. The handmade nature of this product makes each pattern different from the next, which is also its charm.

Cutipol MIO gold thread 1

Scattering

This is a technique in which gold leaf is broken into small pieces and scattered using a sieve-like tool called a "sunagotsutsu" or brush. The flakes of gold leaf of various sizes create an undulating pattern. Scattering is a traditional technique seen as far back as the Heian period (794-1185), but it also suits contemporary designs.

utipol MIO Scatter1

■Functionality for modern life

Behind the realization of this series is the technical expertise of Foilichi. Ever since creating Japan's first Kanazawa foil crafts, Foilichi has wanted to encourage people to use Kanazawa foil more in their daily lives. Even today, we still treasure the spirit of the Japanese people, creating products with designs that evoke the seasons and that are appreciated as gifts.

In the past, it was believed that gold leaf could not be used for daily necessities because it peels easily. At Foilichi, we have achieved sufficient strength by refining our techniques and examining various adhesion and coating methods. Today, Kanazawa foil can be used for various tableware and interior decorations. Although this cutlery has gold leaf on the handle, it can be used in the same way as regular cutlery. After use, wash the cutlery with a soft sponge and neutral detergent (not recommended for dishwashers).

＜Product Lineup

Cutipol MIO gold thread <4 threads