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Burari

Cucumber

Cucumber

きゅうり

Cucumbers are a familiar everyday vegetable in Japan and are also famously known as a favorite food of kappa, the mythical river creature. Beyond being eaten, cucumbers are used in various traditional rituals. One example is “Kyūri-fūji,” a prayer ritual associated with Kōbō Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism. In this ceremony, illness and negative energy are believed to be sealed into a cucumber, with prayers offered for full recovery. Additionally, the word kyūri sounds like “nine benefits” (kyū-ri), and is therefore thought to bring nine kinds of good fortune.

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¥30,000 JPY
¥30,000 JPY
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Details

Material Boxwood and Lacquer
Country of origin MADE IN JAPAN
Width
0.5cm (0.2inch)
Height
3.1cm (1.2inch)
Depth 1cm (0.4inch)
Weight 0.5g
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Story

Designed as a “Burari,” it can be used daily as a key holder or charm. Each piece is carefully handmade using traditional ivory carving techniques. Though small in size, it serves as a protective amulet imbued with wishes for a long and prosperous future. It also makes a thoughtful gift for someone special.

Artist

Akira Kuroiwa

黒岩　明

Born in Tokyo in 1949, the artist initially worked as a jewelry designer before beginning netsuke carving in 1992. Coming to netsuke from outside the traditional family-based apprenticeship system of ivory carving, they approached the art form with a free and independent perspective. By incorporating metalworking and lacquer techniques into netsuke sculpture, the artist established a distinctive style. They also experimented with new materials, bringing a rich sense of ornamentation and contemporary expression to the world of netsuke.