Nara (Japanese oak) bowl by Masahito Ikeda

This nara (Japanese oak) bowl by Masahito Ikeda captivates with its organic shape and the depth of its dark brown hue. The wood, chosen for the beauty of its grain, reveals a vibrant texture where cracks, knots, and slight natural irregularities appear, preserved like traces of time. The craftsman has retained certain natural imperfections, such as a small crack and a hollow on the rim, revealing the piece's unique character. Both utilitarian and expressive, it finds its place in a contemporary interior, like an object crafted in harmony with nature.

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 nara (Japanese oak), a dense and springy wood prized for its strength and rich grain. The dark brown hue was achieved through tetsu-baizen (iron mordanting), an ancient technique that involves applying an iron solution which reacts with the wood's tannins. This reaction creates a deep, warm-toned color and naturally protects the surface. Beneath this patina, the nara's grain remains visible, adding a subtle movement to the surface and highlighting the precision of the handcrafting.

Practical information

Place
Japan (Toyonaka, Osaka Prefecture)

Dimensions
Diameter 20.5 cm - Height 3.5 cm

Weight
206 gr

Materials
Nara (Japanese oak) tetsu-baizen finish (iron etching)

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.