MARKUS: A Japanese Hand Crafted Household Goods Shop

Special Items Selected with Care by the Manager

1. Lacquerware Made Using Traditional Techniques

We would first like to introduce the lacquered beer mug (8640 yen with tax). This cup is handmade by a craftsman who trained in Wajima, in Ishikawa prefecture that is well known as a producer of lacquerware.

Lacquerware is often made by multiple people and each step is handled by a specialist of that particular step.

Due to the number of people handling the craft, lacquerware is known to be very expensive and the aftercare for it is very complicated as well.

Unlike the standard lacquerware, this piece is made by a craftsman who wishes for more people to use lacquerware casually. Therefore, the prices are lower than the standard lacquerware, making it easier to purchase.

The great part of lacquerware is to see the changes in the piece as time passes. The more the piece is used, the changes in color begin to show on the surface, allowing it to become your personal piece. Why not go to MARKUS to find a lacquerware item that will serve to become your daily partner?

2. Ceramics Made with Traditional Regional Techniques

These are traditional Okinawan plates called the Yachimun (4860 yen with tax). The thick form and the powerful designs are the traits of the Yachimun ceramics. The creator of these plates is an experienced craftsman, who has been making ceramics since 1980.

Normally, they only sell locally, however with the strong persuasion by Mr. Kubota, he has managed to get several pieces at once in stock. If you have any interest in these rare pieces, please inquire for their stock in the store.

3. Unique Foods that Make Perfect Souvenirs

The raw shichimi paste (left), green yuzu pepper (second from the left), and red yuzu pepper (second from the right) are unique seasonings made in Tokushima prefecture.

Each cost about 480 yen with tax. This is a wonderful, budget-friendly price, for condiments that you can add to dishes enjoyed on ceramics found at MARKUS.

If you are not sure about how to use these seasonings, you can always ask Mr. Kubota for advice. He will be more than happy to tell you his best ways to savor them!

The green yuzu pepper has a nice spice that goes very well with meat dishes, while the red yuzu pepper has a nice fragrance that is best suited to eat with stews and gyoza dumplings.

4. Comical Ceramics

A long-selling popular item in MARKUS is the Haniwa ceramics that are made in the Tochigi prefecture. Haniwa are unglazed ceramics that were made during the Kofun period of Japan. They were used as offerings to royalty and the gods from the third to the seventh century.

These Haniwa pieces were originally a temporary item, but due to their popularity, they have become a staple piece in the store. The designs for the Haniwa are handmade replicas of real Haniwa and dogu (*1) that were excavated. They also have some miniatures that all have their own unique features.

*1 Dogu: ceramic dolls that are in the form of humans or spirits.

The Haniwa dolls are 1620 yen with tax. The charm of these figures are the amusing expressions on each of them.

Welcoming Seasonal Displays

The displays in the store are rotated according to the seasons. One particularly recommended time to visit the shop is in the winter. Then the store will be filled with traditional Japanese New Year lacquerware along with ceramic pots you're sure to want to make a warm stew with.

The majority of the items in the store are made by craftsmen from all over Japan. Therefore, some items may take nearly two years from the day the item has been ordered to actually arrive! If you find something you like, it is advised to purchase on the spot before it disappears!

Getting to MARKUS

Nakamichi Shopping Arcade

After heading out of the North Exit of Kichijoji Station, walk for about six minutes to get to MARKUS. Walk straight down on the left-hand side of Heiwa street and cross the intersection to go to the Nakamichi Shopping Arcade.

Continue past the cellphone shop, furniture shop, and cafes.

When you find a Chinese restaurant called Ichien on your right-hand side, turn right at that corner. You will find a brick-walled building on your left side.

The shop looks perfect to have unique items for the house. The door is always open and welcomes visitors, but the inside is very peaceful.

Please be considerate and refrain from bringing in food or drinks into the shop. While many items may seem too beautiful to resist, they are all pieces of art. Please ask before taking photos of the items in the shop.

As mentioned before, all items in the shop are original pieces that are carefully crafted by skilled craftsmen. Therefore, it is best to ask the staff if the items are for sale as well.

Why not search for a new addition to your house at MARKUS?

In cooperation from MARKUS.

Marx

2-18-15 Kichijoji Honcho, Musashino City, Tokyo 180-0004 Musashino Cou...