Kurogaki (black khaki) tray by Masahito Ikeda

This rectangular persimmon (khaki) tray features an elegant, gently curved line. The light surface, finely textured by hand by craftsman Masahito Ikeda, reveals irregular dark markings reminiscent of ink stains. These patterns are natural and originate from the highly sought-after Japanese phenomenon of kurogaki (black persimmon), where the wood develops black veins and shaded areas as it ages. The piece thus offers a subtle contrast between the light wood and these deep imprints, ideal for presenting tea, small plates, or other objects.

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

The tray is crafted from persimmon, a dense, finely grained Japanese wood traditionally used for everyday objects and certain tea-related items. The dark markings visible on the surface and near the edges correspond to kurogaki (black persimmon), a natural pattern formed when the wood, during its maturation, develops blackened areas and dividing lines known as zone lines. This spontaneous design, resulting from the wood's organic evolution and interaction with its tannins, produces black patches and sinuous lines that are not defects but a highly prized characteristic in Japan. After drying and shaping, these patterns become stable, giving each piece a unique character. The interior surface is punctuated by fine, regular undulations left by the hand-working process, which catch the light without excessive shine and emphasize the tray's length.

Practical information
Place
Japan (Toyonaka, Osaka Prefecture)

Dimensions
Length 41 cm - Width 12 cm - Height 2 cm

Weight
253 gr

Materials
Khaki (khaki) natural kurogaki pattern

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.