DIY Kyo-Sashimono Kit / Traditional Japanese Wood Joinery

Product Description : Why is it so EXPENSIVE?

Product Story

General Product Information

This Kyo Sashimono Kit allows anyone to experience the world of Kyo Sashimono in an easy-to-use manner.
In addition to wood, all necessary tools such as glue and sandpaper are included in the kit.
In addition, since the box can be made without using a knife, even children can try it safely.

The finished box is a box with beautiful wood grain (Length: 19.5 cm / Width: 13.5 cm / Height: 8 cm).
It is up to you what you want to put in it, such as postcards, accessories, or important things.

You can sand the box to make it round, carve it, paint on it, etc. It is easy to assemble the box, but it is also easy to finish it.
Assembling the box is easy, but it is up to you to decide how elaborate you want to make it!
Please create the design you like!

 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

The finished box is a box with beautiful wood grain (Length: 19.5 cm / Width: 13.5 cm / Height: 8 cm).

 

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.