Wōrunatto (black walnut) tray by Masahito Ikeda

This wōrunatto (black walnut) tray follows the proportions of obon (Japanese trays) intended, among other things, to hold tea utensils or sweets. Its clean lines highlight the rich natural nuances of walnut, a wood particularly prized in cabinetmaking for the beauty of its grain. The surface, delicately hand-carved, offers a subtle interplay of light and texture, while one of the edges retains the natural irregularities of the material. A very elegant piece where the precision of craftsmanship interacts with the unique character of the wood.

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

Technique and decoration
The tray is crafted from wōrunatto (black walnut), a wood particularly prized in cabinetmaking and the production of high-quality furniture for its stability, strength, and the beauty of its grain. Its heartwood is characterized by deep, warm tones, while the natural variations in the grain create unique patterns that make each piece one of a kind.

On this tray, the wood reveals a beautiful palette of warm browns, with copper and chocolate nuances, crossed by darker veins. The inner surface is entirely hand-worked, with a series of fine parallel notches that create a regular rhythm and a delicately vibrant texture. This meticulous carving contrasts with one of the long edges, whose irregular shape retains the natural movements of the wood, its marks, and its small cavities. The other three sides, straight and clearly defined, structure the composition. Masahito Ikeda thus combines the rigor of a geometric shape with the spontaneity of the material, in a balance that gives this tray its unique character.

Place of manufacture
Japan (Toyonaka, Ōsaka Prefecture)

Dimensions
Length 31 cm - Width 10.5 cm - Height 2 cm

Weight
153 g

Materials
Wōrunatto (black walnut)

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.