Sakura (Japanese cherry blossom) bowl by Masahito Ikeda

This large sakura (cherry) bowl by Masahito Ikeda has a broad, balanced profile, tapering slightly at the base. Its almost silky-smooth surface reveals deep variations of brown achieved through a traditional iron and ash dyeing process. The circular grain of the wood emphasizes the natural movement of the material, while an old knot, crisscrossed by fine cracks, forms an organic motif of great expressive power. Both sculptural and functional, this bowl finds its place on a table or in a contemplative space, like a silent and vibrant presence.

The craftsman

Masahito Ikeda, born in 1978 in Hyōgo and raised in Osaka, founded Thursday Furniture after studying interior design at Seian Zōkei University and completing a professional woodworking course in Matsubara, Osaka. He established his brand, Thursday Furniture, in 2015 in Nishinomiya (Hyōgo Prefecture) and moved his workshop to Toyonaka (Osaka Prefecture) in 2017. His work focuses on solid and reclaimed wood, paying attention to the marks of time and natural textures, and encompasses both furniture and turned objects for the home.

The technique and the decor

This bowl is crafted from sakura (Japanese cherry), a wood intimately linked to Japanese culture, a symbol of renewal and ephemeral beauty. The wood, chosen for its fine grain and smooth feel, was expertly worked to maintain its balance despite the presence of a central knot. This knot, naturally cracked, was seamlessly integrated into the piece, as a compositional element. The deep color is achieved through tetsu-baizen (iron mordanting), an ancient process combining iron and ash, whose reaction with the cherry wood's tannins creates subtle nuances ranging from reddish-brown to velvety black. Each line of the grain follows the movement of the bowl, giving the piece an almost painterly quality.

Practical information

Place
Japan (Toyonaka, Osaka Prefecture)

Dimensions
Diameter 22.5 cm - Height 9.5 cm

Weight
368 gr

Materials
Sakura (cherry) finish tetsu-baizen (iron and ash mordant)

Period
Contemporary

Maintenance tips
Wipe clean after use with a soft, slightly damp cloth. Avoid prolonged soaking, detergents, and direct heat. Do not put in the dishwasher, oven, or microwave.