Kabazaiku Maru-bon - 16-sided Wooden Cherry Bark Tray
TomiokaThis stunning 16-sided wooden tray is made using the traditional kabazaiku (樺細工) technique in which a thin veneer of hand-scraped and polished cherry bark is carefully applied to a wooden core. Here, the cherry bark is cut into hexagons and arranged in a tortoiseshell pattern (kikko - 亀甲).
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)
Made by Tomioka in Daisen, Akita Prefecture.
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 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: 30 cm (11.8 in)
Height: 2.2 cm (0.9 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.
