Urushi has been used for many centries, to protect and decorate wooden utensils. Urushi is made from tree sap of Japanese cypress. When the sap dries, it becomes a natural antibacterial lacquer. 

 

Tebashiya uses 100% organic high-quality traditional urushi. Because chopsticks brings food to our customers mouth, we want to make sure it is perfectly safe. As urushi is organic, urushi products are not dishwasher safe. Many of the dishwasher safe chopsticks do not use urushi. Most of the time, chemicals such as polyurethane are used. Antibacterial urushi do not require to be dishwashed. A flow of water will do the trick. Please see the "Care" for details. 

 

Some chopsticks that looks like it was freshly cut from wood, may even have been bleached. This could be hazardous to health. Especially, small kids tend to bite on the chopsticks. You don't want them to bite on polyurethane or bleached wood. 100% organic urushi will keep you and your love ones safe.

 

Reference: Wajima Lacquerware Cooperative Association

http://www.wajimanuri.or.jp/index.html

(English) http://www.wajimanuri.or.jp/frame-e.htm