Whether you've been to Japan or not, you probably know by now that for the uninitiated, toilets in Japan can be a tricky thing. Both old-fashioned Japan-style toilets and more modernized high-tech toilets present their own challenges for first timers, which is why the country has put out joking promotions instructing you how to use them, and even opened a toilet museum documenting the evolution of the restroom in Japan. While we're content to praise that as the pinnacle of toilet glorification, it appears there is still more room to work with, especially with Bidocoro's line of high quality toilets that are decorated with traditional Japanese art and craftsmanship.

The Bidocoro series of toilets are high-grade toilets that make use of designs found in traditional Japanese artwork, and show an unusually high level of luxury for a toilet. Their exhibition version of their flagship model, the "Crimson Sparkling Version", for example, features the same type of elegant metallic painting used on sports cars, maki-e (Japanese lacquer sprinkled with gold or silver powders), cherry blossoms made from Swarovski jewelry, 7 karat diamonds, and an Edo-period horse cord cover.

The concept behind the toilets is to introduce the Japanese concept of omotenashi--hospitality through entertaining guests and their needs to the fullest--through the aesthetics featured in this series, particularly to foreigners. The maker claims to have been inspired with the idea after encountering a beautiful toilet that featured a dyeing technique from the Meiji period.

They say the idea of using the "special moment" people have alone everyday is an opportunity for them to get in touch with traditional Japanese culture and spirit, introducing them to a blend of tradition and Japan's evolving technology. It's not the most conventional way of relaying the beauty of Japan to foreign guests, but hey, it makes for some beautiful bathroom thrones.

The series is carefully painted and put together by skilled engineers and craftsman, employing traditional lacquer art techniques. They are primarily to be installed in high class hotels and Japanese-style inns to make an artistic impact on tourists, it appears.

Their toilets range from 330,000-770,000 yen ($2,910.32-$6,790.76 USD), with the sparkling crimson version running at a monstrous 10,000,000 yen ($88,193.151 USD). The special version will be on display at the Tokyo Big Site International Hotel and Restaurant Show from February 21st-24th. While we aren't entirely sure of their shipping capabilities, feel free to inquire (in Japanese) at their website should you be craving an omotenashi toilet experience.