Soekyu Seitosho
GOSU Chopstick Rest Set
This beautiful GOSU chopstick rest (hashioki) set is designed to hold your chopsticks above the table surface while adding a touch of colour and elegance to your dining setup.
Each hashioki showcases the refined artistry of Japanese craftsmanship and the distinctive variations of Soekyu GOSU shades, making it a versatile piece suited for both casual dining and formal occasions. Enhance your dining experience with this exquisite piece that reflects the rich heritage of Hizenyoshida ware.
Every chopstick rest is hand-painted by an experienced and highly skilled ceramic artist. You can appreciate the intricate brushwork and the time devoted to crafting each piece of functional art, every item is painted individually, ensuring no two are exactly alike.
About GOSU Blue:
Gosu is a historic blue pigment traditionally used in Japanese ceramics, especially in blue-and-white ware. It has become widely adopted across various ceramic regions in Japan. Unlike many other pigments, GOSU Blue is known for its remarkable durability, as it is applied to unglazed pottery, ensuring the color remains vibrant and unfading over time. While often referred to collectively as “GOSU Blue,” the pigment actually encompasses a rich range of hues, from deep, muted blues to vivid, bright tones, and soft, delicate light blues.
Dimensions
7 cm (D) × 2 cm (H)
Region
Ureshino, Saga Prefecture, Japan
Care
Avoid use over open flames or in ovens to prevent breakage.
Do not drag the polished base across surfaces to avoid scratches.
Occasional black spots may appear due to natural iron content in the clay, these do not affect quality or usability.
Avoid harsh sponges or steel wool when cleaning, as they may cause scratches and gradual colour fading.
Shipping & Returns
Delivery
We generally use Royal Mail for our deliveries:
- UK Standard Delivery (dispatched in 3–5 working days) – £4.95
- UK orders over £60 – FREE
- Store Collection (1–2 working days) – FREE
- EU Delivery – £19.00
- US Delivery – from £15.00
- Everywhere Else – from £16.00
Delivery times are estimates and may vary during busy periods or due to customs.
Customs & Import Charges
For EU orders under €150 (excluding shipping), VAT is collected at checkout. Orders over €150 may be subject to additional customs charges on arrival.
For deliveries outside the EU, any customs duties, taxes or import fees are the responsibility of the customer.
For full Delivery details, please see our Delivery & Returns Policy.
Returns
We want you to be happy with your purchase. If you’re not completely satisfied, we’re happy to help.
- Full-price items: return within 14 days
- Return postage: paid by the customer, unless the item is faulty, incorrect or not as described
- Food items: unfortunately cannot be returned for hygiene and safety reasons
For full Returns details, please see our Delivery & Returns Policy.
GOSU Chopstick Rest Set
Soekyu Seitosho
Founded in 1953 in Yoshida, Ureshino City, Saga Prefecture, Soekyu Seitosho is a distinguished ceramics manufacturer rooted in the historic Hizen-Yoshida pottery tradition, an area adjacent to Arita, the birthplace of Japanese porcelain.
From its inception, the company has specialised in producing high-quality tableware for daily use, embodying the spirit of functional beauty and craftsmanship that defines the Hizen-Yoshida ware tradition. Early production focused on traditional painted motifs, and over time the business has evolved through generations, preserving long-established techniques while embracing creative innovation.
A defining milestone came in 2015 with the development of the GOSU series, a signature collection showcasing five distinct shades of gosu, the traditional Japanese cobalt blue pigment. This series offers an innovative reinterpretation of the classic dami brush painting technique, in which richly pigmented cobalt is applied by hand onto unglazed pottery, allowing subtle tonal variations and expressive depth to emerge through the firing process, resulting in vibrant blues that respond uniquely to the kiln environment.
Today, Soekyu Seitosho is led by Hisahiro Soejima, the third-generation CEO, alongside his wife Michiko Soejima. Together, this family business continues the legacy of the company’s founder, Kyuhachi Soejima, maintaining artisanal standards while evolving its craft.