Tsunagu Kabazaiku Cherry Bark Coaster
TomiokaThis unique small coaster is made from hinoki cypress and decorated using the traditional kabazaiku (樺細工) technique in which a thin veneer of hand-scraped and polished cherry bark is carefully inlaid into the wooden base. The pattern used here mimics the look of kabazaiku ties or tsunagi used to secure bentwood pieces. The long edges of the coaster feature a beveled edge underneath, allowing them to be easily picked up.
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: 10.5 cm (4.13 in)
Height: 0.7 cm (0.28 in)
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.
