Yakusugi (Ancient Cedar) Chopsticks / Octagonal (8-sided) / 23cm

Product Description : Why is it so EXPENSIVE?

Product Story

General Product Information

Chopsticks produced by the skilled craftsmanship of a long-established ranma carving store with a history of over 150 years.
These chopsticks are made from Yakusugi cedar, which has a high resin content and is resistant to decay. You can feel the warmth that only wood can provide.
Using these nice chopsticks will surely enrich your mealtime.

 Product History

When did these crafts start to craft?：1300 years ago / 700AD / Yamato period in Japan

The history of transom dates back to the Nara period (710-794), it was originally used in temples and shrines for the purpose of lighting. In the Heian period (794-1185), it became to be used in the residences of aristocrats, and by the Edo period (1603-1868), it had spread to the residences of the general public. Even today, many rooms in Japanese shrines and temples still retain this style, creating the beauty of Japanese cultural form.

Craftsman Story

Craftsman Profile

Junichi Asakura / Asakura Carving Studio
Asakura Sculpture Shop was founded in 1937, with its roots in 1868 when the first generation became independent as shrine carpenters. He feels that his mission is to make the wood more beautiful and send it out so that people will be happy to hold it in their hands, and at the same time, he is grateful and respectful to the wood that has given him life.

Craftsman Passion

"1. It is the duty of a craftsman to make things without compromise. 2. it is the duty of a merchant to satisfy his customers"
Since the first year of Meiji period (1868), we have been involved in the manufacture of wooden products, and although the times and the contents have changed, the spirit of "uncompromising craftsmanship" that we have inherited has remained unchanged. We have been, and will continue to be, a step forward in our beliefs while overcoming many challenging environment.

Achievement

Designated as a traditional craftsman in Kagawa Prefecture in 2019

 

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

Length：23cm
Weight：6g

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.

Delivery Date

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

Manufacturing Process

We have not uploaded this craftsman’s video yet, please discover another craftsman’s video from below link.

YouTube