Brilliant Kabazaiku Maru-bon - Wooden Cherry Bark Tray
TomiokaThis stunning hexagonal wooden tray features a pattern of two overlayed concave triangles, with each panel being made of different types of wood, with cherry bark at the centre. The panels are outlined using the raden (螺鈿) technique of mother-of-pearl inlay.
As a stylish variation of the classic 30cm (12in) maru-bon (circular tray - 丸盆), this tray is ideal for serving multiple cups of sencha or for the tray tea ceremony (bondemae - 盆点前)
The kabazaiku (樺細工, also 桜皮細工) technique of hand-scraping, polishing, and pasting wild cherry bark is unique to Akita Prefecture in northern Japan, where the technique was brought to the town of Kakunodate (角館) in Akita by the Satake family of samurai in the 1700s.
Designed by Hirase Hiroji (平瀬尋士). Made by Tomioka in Daisen, Akita Prefecture.
To clean, wipe with a damp cloth. Avoid washing or soaking the tray as this can weaken the paste that holds the cherry bark to the wood.
Made in Japan. Ships from the United States.
Width: 34.9 cm (13.7 in)
Height: 1.4 cm (0.6 in)
The Kabazaiku (樺細工, also 桜皮細工) technique of hand-scraping, polishing, and pasting wild cherry bark is unique to Akita Prefecture in northern Japan, where the technique was brought to the town of Kakunodate (角館) in Akita by the Satake family of samurai in the 1700s.
To clean, wipe with a dry cloth. As the cherry bark is uncoated, it will absorb moisture, which is ideal for tea storage. However, this means that any water that gets on it should be wiped off immediately.
For over 50 years, Tomioka has been producing and promoting the unique Akita culture of kabazaiku crafts. Founder Kazuya Tomioka took over defunct kabazaiku business in 1970 and has revitalised it into the flourishing company it is today. Not only does Tomioka preseve traditional craft techniques and items, they also innovate new styles, adapting the centuries old art of kabazaiku to modern tastes.
