Hand-painted Jewelry Box / Paulownia Wood / Japanese Four Seasons

Product Description : Why is it so EXPENSIVE?

Product Story

General Product Information

This paulownia wood box features the prestigious "Hanamaru-monyo" (floral circular motif), a traditional pattern cherished since ancient times as a symbol of harmony and good fortune.

On the top, vibrant spring blossoms—plum, cherry, and wisteria—bloom in full glory within elegant gold circles. The sides are adorned with tasteful autumn grasses, capturing the subtle transition of Japan's four seasons within a single masterpiece.

It is an exquisite piece where the soft, natural texture of paulownia wood harmonizes beautifully with the artisan's brilliant craftsmanship. Ideal not only as a vessel for storing your most precious belongings, but also as a work of art or a memorable gift that adds elegance to any space.

 Product History

When did these crafts start to craft?：1200 years ago / 800AD / Heian period in Japan

Kyo Sashimono (Cabinetwork) is a traditional craft that uses a technique of combining wood and wood without using metal nails. The construction of thin boards may look delicate, but it is in fact very sturdy because of the elaborate unevenness in the hidden parts called "hozo".
Kyo Sashimono (Cabinetwork) is said to have originated in the Heian period (794-1185). In Japan, which has abundant wood resources, wood crafts unique to Japan had been developed. With the arrival of the stone and metal cultures from China and Korea, a unique craft using wood as a material was born, imitating their vessels. This is what is known as Kyo Sashimono (Cabinetwork) .

Kyo Sashimono (Cabinetwork) was used mainly by the imperial court and court nobles, and is characterized by its elegant and exquisite workmanship.
In addition, the culture of the tea ceremony, which pursued simplicity and beauty, and the culture of the townspeople of the Edo period nurtured the variety of expression in Kyo Sashimono (Cabinetwork).

Craftsman Story

Craftsman Profile

HAKOTOU
HAKOTOU was founded in 1891. Since its establishment, it has operated as a workshop crafting paulownia boxes for storing Kyoto's traditional crafts, serving as a modest yet significant supporting player in Kyoto's traditional industries. In 2000, HAKOTOU opened a gallery specializing in paulownia boxes for individual customers. Along with developing and selling a variety of painted paulownia boxes in different sizes, they continue to propose new lifestyles that incorporate paulownia boxes into modern living.

Craftsman Passion

They propose a new lifestyle that incorporates paulownia boxes into modern living. 

Traditionally, paulownia boxes are perceived as containers for valuable items. However, they are making these boxes more accessible for everyday use by decorating them with paintings and designing products that match contemporary lifestyles. They aim to share the charm of paulownia boxes with people around the world.

 

Your Contribution to Craftsman

Customer Voice

Due to the market structure (link for full articles are attached bottom), craftsman have not known who the customer is and how customer reacts to their work. We made a “Message to Craftsman” box at purchase page. We will deliver all message to every craftsman. Our review will be also shared to craftsman so please leave your comment and evaluation on review section!

Income for Craftsman: Craftsman get only less than 10% of selling price?

As written above, craftsman have not controlled last phase of sales channel that resulting in selling price is set by third-party without craftsman’s recognition. There are some cases that only less than 10% of selling price is given to craftsman. We promise with our customer / craftsman that we offer the fair trade with craftsmen in our contract!

We made an article about above problem and our challenge. Please have a read from below link.
Current state of the Crafts Market / Benefits brought by Suigenkyo

Measurement

Width：14.8cm
Depth：10.5cm
Height：7.5cm
Weight：150g

Material & Caution

Materials

Paulownia wood

 

Caution

Individual Difference

Each piece is handmade, so there are individual differences even in the same series. We hope that you will understand the change by handmade.

Delivery Date

Please note that it will take about a month for delivery if we do not have the item in stock.