Ichijiku (Japanese fig wood) vase by Masahito Ikeda

This spectacular Japanese fig wood (ichijiku) vase created by Masahito Ikeda impresses with its sculptural presence and the expressive force of its material. The craftsman chose a section of tree marked by time, where knots, cracks and dark veins tell the story of the plant. Heavy, dense and perfectly balanced, this vase combines power and softness: the refined form allows the natural irregularities of the wood and the precision of its creation to interact. Every fracture and every trace of the fig tree are respected, magnified; the master's hand has revealed what the tree already possessed.

The Craftsman

Masahito Ikeda, born in 1978 in Hyōgo and raised in Ōsaka, trained in interior design at Seian Zōkei University and then completed a professional carpentry course in Matsubara, Ōsaka. He founded his brand, Thursday Furniture, in 2015 in Nishinomiya (Hyōgo Prefecture) and set up his workshop in 2017 in Toyonaka (Ōsaka Prefecture). His work prioritizes solid wood and recycled wood, with attention to traces of time and natural textures, and ranges from furniture to turned household objects.

Technique and Decoration

Fig wood (ichijiku), rarely used for this type of piece, requires a rigorous approach due to its structural irregularities, deep knots, and internal tensions that can cause cracks during drying. Here, Masahito Ikeda worked with respect for the tree's history: he preserves and magnifies cracked areas, torn fibers, and protruding knots, integrating them as compositional elements. Natural contrasts, from light beige to darker brown, create a vibrant relief that evokes the bark and heartwood. A glass tube, perfectly calibrated to the opening, allows for the addition of water for a floral arrangement if desired. The vase can also be displayed as is, a spectacular decorative piece.

Practical Information

Location
Japan (Toyonaka, Ōsaka Prefecture)

Dimensions
Diameter 19 cm – Height 20 cm

Weight
1176 gr

Materials
Japanese fig wood (ichijiku), glass tube

Period
Contemporary

Care Instructions
Wipe regularly with a soft dry cloth, avoid prolonged humidity and direct heat. Rinse the glass tube with clear water after use.