Round hinoki wood and urushi lacquer box, Kiso Valley

Crafted by the Kashiwaya Tsunezaemon workshop, this round box draws on the artisanal traditions of Japan's Kiso Valley, where woodworking and lacquerware have been important for centuries. Made from hinoki (Japanese cypress), it combines two traditional crafts: magemono, the art of bentwood, and Kiso Shunkei, a regional lacquer tradition that reveals the wood's natural nuances. Both a decorative object and a practical item for everyday use, it naturally finds its place in the home.

The artisan
Founded in 1858, the Kashiwaya Tsunezaemon Shōten workshop is based in the Kiso region, renowned for the quality of its timber and lacquer craftsmanship. Passed down through six generations, its expertise lies in making traditional objects for everyday life, particularly bentwood boxes whose shapes and finishes reflect the continuity of Japanese artisanal techniques.

Techniques and finishes
Hinoki, or Japanese cypress, is one of Japan's most prized woods for its lightness, stability, and natural resistance to moisture. Its fine, even grain and flexibility when worked into thin layers make it particularly suited to traditional bending techniques.

The box is made using the magemono technique, which involves softening thin wooden boards with heat and moisture before gradually bending them to form a circular wall. The two ends are joined by ties traditionally made from wild cherry bark. On this box, the joints are highlighted with thick black lacquer, creating vertical ridges that contrast with the natural wood.

Kiso Shunkei is a lacquer tradition developed in the Kiso Valley that emphasizes the wood's natural beauty. After preparing the surface, the suri urushi technique involves applying natural Japanese lacquer and then carefully rubbing away the excess. Successive applications protect the wood while preserving its visible grain. In traditional Kiso Shunkei, an additional translucent lacquer finish enhances the material's depth and nuances. The box thus retains the amber and reddish reflections characteristic of lacquered wood.

Shape and use
Cylindrical 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
Diameter 13.2 cm - Height 6.3 cm

Weight
121 g

Materials
Hinoki wood (Japanese cypress), urushi lacquer.

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 a dishwasher, microwave, or with abrasive products. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, heat sources, and excessively dry environments.