Cat-shaped Card Case / Handcrafted Paulownia Wood

Product Description : Why is it so EXPENSIVE?

Product Story

General Product Information

This card case is made using the technique of Kyo Sashimono. It expresses a cute cat face.
There is no two pieces of wood that have exactly the same grain, which making it a one-of-a-kind product.
It is precisely made, and the lid closes so snugly. Please take it in your hand and experience the art of Kyo Sashimono.
It can hold about 15 business cards, depending on the thickness of the paper.

No nails is used!?
The wooden parts are made without using any nails, and are made by making uneven surfaces on the wooden parts and combining them elaborately.
Even though no nails are used, it is strong and can be used for decades.

 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

Takashi Shimizu
He was born in Kyoto and entered the world of Kyo Sashimono (Cabinetwork) when he was 10 years old. His father gave him a Kanna (A plane) for his birthday which made him interested in this crafts.
He is a craftsman who mainly produces Kyo Sashimono (Cabinetwork), especially tea ceremony utensils and box-shaped utensils.

Craftsman Passion

"Learn Something New Everyday"
I am never conceited that I am skillful craftsman, and I think that every day is a learning experience.
Even though I keep making mistakes, I want to make better products to please my customers.
I am making my work every day in order to convey the charm of Kyo-Shinamono to many people and to protect traditional techniques.

Achievement

Won a prize at the Tea Ceremony Art Contest
Kyoto Wooden Crafts Exhibition - Mayor of Kyoto Award
Honorable Mention, Kyoto Wood Craft Exhibition
Kyoto Wood Craft Exhibition, Kyoto Governor Prize

 

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：11cm
Depth：1.3cm
Height：6.5cm
Weight：22g

 

Material & Caution

Materials

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.

Made to Order

Basically, this product is made to order, so it takes about a month from order to delivery. Please note that there may be unavoidable delays in delivery due to material shortages or delays in the production process.