Yosegi Zaiku
Discover the Traditional Japanese Marquetry Originated in the town of Hakone.
What is Yosegi Zaiku?
"Yosegi-Zaiku" is a type of traditional Japanese marquetry developed in Edo period Japan (1603-1868) in the town of Hakone. "Yosegi" means combined wood, and "Zaiku" means intricate work; the name represents the manufacturing process of combining various colors, shapes and sizes of wood blocks into patterns. These patterned works are popular worldwide as they show the subtlety and elaborateness of Japanese handicrafts.
Hakone - Where Yosegi Zaiku is Originated
Yosegi Zaiku is produced only in Odawara/Hakone region, located far west of Kanagawa prefecture. Hakone is one of the most popular tourist destinations for natural hot springs and its' lush mountain ranges, attracting many domestic/foreign tourists.
In Edo period (1603-1867), Hakone served as an important checkpoint to control the traffic along the Tokaido, the highway which linked Kyoto and Tokyo.
Beautiful Colors of Natural Wood
Yosegi Zaiku products are made with wood in their natural colors. The vibrant colors used in their colorful patterns are all the natural shades of the wood itself, and not added colors.
Trees vary in their colors and softness depending on the type of tree, their age and where they grow in the wild. Craftsmen get various types of wood from all over Japan according to the patterns, and only the truly experienced craftsmen who understand the characteristics of each wood materials can make beautiful and tasteful Yosegi Zaiku marquetry.
White: Dogwood, Magnolia
Yellow: Lacquer, Quassia, Mulberry
Green: Magnolia
Red: Paddock, Rengas
Brown: Camphor, Katsura, Walnut, zelkova, Sakura, Mulberry
Black: Aged Katsura, Aged Chestnut, Aged Oak
Handcrafted By Master Craftsmen
Currently, there are about 50 Yosegi craftsmen, and 7 of them are certified as Master Craftsman by Traditional Crafts Industry Promotion Association Foundation.
It is said that it takes at least 10 years of training to finally become an independent Yosegi craftsman, and some master craftsmen have over 60 years of experience.
Our Yosegi products are purchased directly from several most famous Yosegi craftsmen in the country.
Different Yosegi Styles: "ZUKU" and "MUKU"
Traditional "ZUKU"
“Zuku”: Seed Plates Sliced into Thin Sheets
Zuku marquetry is created by making patterns with various wood chips into a big seed plate and slicing it as thin as paper with a Japanese-style plane. These thin slices of zuku are then pasted onto the joinery crafts and coated for perfect finish. Since so many sheets of zuku can be made from one seed plate, a large number of works can be produced.
One of a Kind "MUKU"
“Muku”: One Big Seed Plate Carved into a Product
“Muku” on the other hand, is a new technique originated in Showa period. It is a technique that carves out one whole seed plate into one product. Muku marquetry uses one type of pattern in each seed plate, and this allows you to enjoy the beautiful expressions of each seed plate designs from multiple angles. Muku products are offered at higher price since only one work can be produced from each seed plate, however, each product offers its own uniqueness and beauty created with craftsmen’s creativity and dedications.
