Tabletop in kaede (split Japanese maple) by Masahito Ikeda

This round tray with a foot, crafted from kaede (spalted Japanese maple) by Masahito Ikeda, is distinguished by 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 strokes in the light grain of the maple. This tray is thus a unique piece, the result of an encounter between nature and the artisan's hand. The surface, carefully polished to a silky smoothness, subtly captures the light. Through its formal simplicity and the richness of its material, this piece embodies the quiet elegance characteristic of Masahito Ikeda's world.

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 tray is crafted from kaede (Japanese maple) exhibiting an exceptional spaltation phenomenon (a rare and precious coloration caused by micro-fungi in the wood). This natural reaction, which cannot be predicted or artificially reproduced, occurs when the wood reaches a moisture and temperature balance favorable to the development of dark filaments. These fine, irregular veins create black or brown arabesques on the surface, giving each piece a unique character. The craftsman meticulously selects these rare pieces before shaping them, then painstakingly polishes the surface to reveal its smoothness and depth. The result is a tray of great elegance, both understated and vibrant, where the wood seems to be permeated by light.

Practical information

Place
Japan (Toyonaka, Osaka Prefecture)

Dimensions
Diameter 27.5 cm - Height 1.5 cm

Weight
366 gr

Materials
Kaede (Japanese maple with a spalted tip)

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.