Bonbauniere / no.3146

In France, a small container for sweets is called a bonbonnière.
With a unique twist that combines this idea with the Japanese word for sea urchin (uni), the “Bonbounière” was conceived.
It is crafted by reinforcing the shell of an inedible sea urchin (gangaze-uni) with lacquer, then fitting it with a custom-made lid to create a charming little container.

The piece is produced by Hyobodo, a studio well known for its work with tea utensils.
In the Japanese tea ceremony, there is a cultural practice called mitate—repurposing an object for a use different from its original purpose.
For example, a simple glass jar might be fitted with a lacquered lid and used as a mizusashi (lidded fresh water container for tea ceremony).

Inspired by news reports of an overpopulation of ganze-uni, the maker focused on the beauty of their shells.
By pairing the natural form with a lid and finishing it in lacquer, it became the distinctive vessel—decorative, yet also designed to be used—known as the “Bonbounière.”

It can hold sweets, condiments, or serve as a small treasure box.
One of lacquer’s roles is to preserve the beauty of natural forms and transform them into objects that can be enjoyed in everyday life.
We invite you to appreciate both the natural elegance of the sea urchin shell and its transformation into a cherished vessel.

| Materials |
Sea urchin shell, lacquer, linen, wood, gold leaf

| Variations |
Black, gold, white, pink, green

| Actual size |
Approximately 5cm diameter x 5cm height x 5cm depth, weighs 5g
*Sizes vary depending on the individual sea urchin. Please use this as a guide only.

| Package |
paper box

| About delivery date |
Custom-made: It will take about one month.

| Care instructions and handling precautions |
Wipe off any moisture with a dry cloth.
Do not use in a microwave, dishwasher or dryer.