Nara (Japanese oak) bowl by Masahito Ikeda

This dish made of nara (Japanese oak) by Masahito Ikeda captivates with its organic shape and the depth of its black-brown hue. The wood, chosen for the beauty of its grain, reveals a lively texture where cracks, knots, and slight natural irregularities appear, preserved as traces of time. The artisan has kept certain natural imperfections, such as a small crack and a hollow on the edge, revealing the uniqueness of the piece. Both utilitarian and expressive, it finds its place in a contemporary interior, like an object crafted in continuity with nature.

The Artisan

Masahito Ikeda, born in 1978 in Hyōgo and raised in Ōsaka, studied interior design at Seian Zōkei University, then completed a professional carpentry course in Matsubara, Ōsaka. He founded his brand, Thursday Furniture, in 2015 in Nishinomiya (Hyōgo Prefecture) and established his workshop in Toyonaka (Ōsaka Prefecture) in 2017. His work prioritizes solid wood and recycled wood, with attention to traces of time and natural textures, and ranges from furniture to turned objects for the home.

Technique and Decor

This bowl is crafted from nara (Japanese oak), a dense and resilient wood prized for its strength and rich grain. The black-brown hue was achieved by tetsu-baizen (iron mordant), an ancient technique that involves applying an iron solution that reacts with the tannins in the wood. This reaction creates a deep coloration with warm reflections and naturally protects the surface. Underneath this patina, the grain of the nara remains visible, adding a slight movement to the surface and highlighting the rigor of the manual work.

Practical Information

Location
Japan (Toyonaka, Ōsaka Prefecture)

Dimensions
Diameter 20.5 cm - Height 3.5 cm

Weight
206 g

Materials
Nara (Japanese oak) with tetsu-baizen (iron mordant) finish

Period
Contemporary

Care Instructions
Wipe after use with a soft, slightly damp cloth, avoid prolonged soaking, detergents, and direct heat. Do not put in the dishwasher, oven, or microwave.