Oval box in sugi wood and urushi lacquer - Kiso Valley

Created by Motoyama Shikki, this oval box is rooted in the craft traditions of Japan's Kiso Valley, where woodworking and lacquerware have been important for centuries. Crafted from sugi (Japanese cedar), it combines two traditional techniques: magemono, the art of bending wood, and fuki-urushi, a natural lacquer finish that preserves the wood's grain while deepening its nuances. Both a decorative object and a practical everyday item, it naturally finds its place in the home.

The artisan
Based in the Kiso Valley in Nagano Prefecture, Motoyama Shikki specializes in the production and sale of traditional Japanese lacquerware. Established in its current form in 1949, it is part of the long history of Kiso lacquer craftsmanship. Its work combines the preservation of regional techniques with the creation of objects for contemporary use, particularly in tableware and interior decoration.

Technique and decoration
Sugi, or Japanese cedar, is a wood widely used in Japanese woodworking. Valued for its lightness, ease of working, and even grain, it is particularly well suited to making bentwood objects. Its distinctive grain, with alternating light and dark areas, remains visible beneath the lacquer finish. Sugi is also renowned for its soft, characteristic woody fragrance, which this box retains and which adds to the pleasure of using it.

The box is made using the traditional magemono technique, which involves softening thin wooden boards with heat and moisture before gradually bending them to form an oval wall. The two ends are joined by ties traditionally made from wild cherry bark. Their regular arrangement discreetly highlights the wood's joint and demonstrates the precision of the assembly.

The fuki-urushi finish involves applying natural Japanese lacquer to the wood and then carefully wiping away the excess. Repeated in several successive layers, this process protects the wood while preserving its visible grain. Here, it accentuates the reddish-brown tones of the sugi while allowing the wood's natural lines to show through.

Form and use
Oval in shape, with a fully removable lid, this box belongs to the menpa family, traditionally used in Japan for carrying meals. Lightweight and durable, it can hold sweets, dry foods, or small personal items. It also finds its place in the home as a decorative object.

Place of manufacture
Japan, Kiso Valley.

Period
Contemporary

Dimensions
Small model: Length 14.4 cm - Width 10 cm - Height 5 cm
Medium model: Length 17.7 cm - Width 13 cm - Height 6 cm

Weight
Small model: 102 g
Medium model: 160 g

Materials
Sugi wood (Japanese cedar), urushi lacquer.

As each piece is handmade, slight variations in shape, color, or texture may occur compared to the photographs, reflecting the unique character of this artisanal work.

Care instructions
Clean with a very soft cloth, slightly dampened with warm water if necessary, then dry immediately. Never soak in water. Do not use in the dishwasher, microwave, or with abrasive products. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, heat sources, and excessively dry environments.