Yosegi Zaiku

Yosegi-Zaiku (mosaic woodwork)

“A one-of-a-kind traditional craft filled with the skills and thoughts of skilled craftsmen"

Yosegi-zaiku is said to have originated in the Edo period (1603-1868) in Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture.
It is a woodcraft technique that combines a number of woods to create different colors and patterns.
Unique Japanese wood, buried wood (wood that has been buried underground for hundreds of years), wood that is only available overseas, etc. Each wood has its own original story, and is carefully spun one by one by skilled craftsmen with abundant experience and reliable techniques.

By combining a number of patterns, an elaborate geometric pattern is created, which is called "Taneita," and is a symbolic design of Yosegi-zaiku.
It is an overwhelming task to accurately carve out and put together small parts, so it requires many years of experience in accurately discerning the "characteristics" of the wood, as well as a very high level of skill in exploiting the "personality" of each piece of wood.
Of course, the production volume is not large because the work is done entirely by hand.
It's not hard to imagine how precious this one-of-a-kind Taneita is, born from the long hours, labor, and the craftsman's passion to make the wood shine at its best.
　

　

　

Mokko Rokuro (wooden potter's wheel)

"The work that determines the quality of Yosegi."

Mokko-rokuro is the process of carving out various shapes by rotating the Taneita, which the Yosegi craftsmen have put all of his energy into creating, at high speed.
At first glance, it looks as if the work is done easily, but the soft form and smooth touch can be achieved by spending hours of meticulous manual work that does not allow even a few millimeters of deviation.
This process can only be accomplished by professional craftsmen who have spent decades carefully creating their works.
Customers can enjoy the difference in the "quality" of the Mokko-rokuro in each piece on their skin.

　

Painting

"Modern technology that preserves the quality of Yosegi-zaiku."

Unlike the uneven feel of wood, I use a urethane coating to provide a slippery feel to the touch.
It also keeps the color from changing, making it a good coating method for camping and room coordination.
In addition, wood breathes even after it is processed, so urethane coating suppresses the breathing of the wood.
This prevents cracking and warping.
It is also highly durable as it is resistant to drying and other factors.


　

I have tried to express my work in a way that has never been done before, by taking advantage of the crafts that have always existed and the reliable skills of craftsmen.
Not merely superior because of its long history, but also because of the possibility of finding beauty by integrating it into new ideas and new things.
Please enjoy NINAHAW, where each piece is filled with many stories.

　

NOTE: The Rokuro processing and painting of mugs are done in a separate factory in accordance with the Food Sanitation Law.