The owner of an antique shop in Hida Takayama introduced us to an artisan who makes magemono bent-wood products for the Hida region’s famed shunkei lacquerware. Despite the suddenness of our visit, the artisan invited us into his workplace and showed us the diverse wooden products he crafts together with his elderly father. His workplace was crammed with bent-wood products made of hinoki cypress and Japanese cedar, the crisp fragrance of the wood filling the room. Among these works were simple round trays that had yet to be lacquered. Enchanted by the pure grain and aroma of the Kiso hinoki wood and by the trays’ simple, unembellished form, we convinced the artisan to let us take one tray back to Tokyo. These trays made from plain, unlacquered wood are now sold at our stores. Because of its light color and soft texture, hinoki is susceptible to soiling and damage, but we hope you will enjoy the beauty of the lustre it acquires through repeated use.
