Tabletop in kaede (split Japanese maple) by Masahito Ikeda

This round tray by Masahito Ikeda, made of spalted kaede (Japanese maple), stands out for the singular beauty of its wood, marked with dark veins resulting from an exceptional natural phenomenon. Spaltation (a rare and precious coloration caused by micro-fungi in the wood) creates unique organic patterns, like diffused ink lines in the light maple grain. This tray is thus a unique piece, the result of a meeting between nature and the artisan's hand. The surface, carefully polished to a silky smoothness, subtly catches the light. Through its formal simplicity and the richness of its material, this piece embodies the silent elegance characteristic of Masahito Ikeda's world.

The artisan

Masahito Ikeda, born in 1978 in Hyōgo and raised in Ōsaka, studied interior design at Seian Zōkei University, then completed a professional course in carpentry 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 an attention to the marks of time and natural textures, and ranges from furniture to turned objects for the home.

Technique and decoration

This tray is crafted from kaede (Japanese maple) exhibiting an exceptional phenomenon of spaltation (a rare and precious coloration caused by micro-fungi in the wood). This natural reaction, which can neither be predicted nor artificially reproduced, occurs when the wood reaches a balance of humidity and temperature favorable to the development of dark filaments. These fine and irregular veins draw black or brown arabesques on the surface, giving each piece a unique character. The artisan meticulously selects these rare pieces before shaping them, then long-polishes the surface to reveal its softness and depth. The result is a tray of great elegance, both sober and vibrant, where the wood seems permeated with light.

Practical information

Location
Japan (Toyonaka, Ōsaka Prefecture)

Dimensions
Diameter 24 cm - Height 2 cm

Weight
563 g

Materials
Kaede (spalted Japanese maple)

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.