Japanese Wooden Containers and Tableware

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In traditional Japan, food, water and other perishable items were commonly stored in unique containers finely handcrafted from high-quality wood by highly skilled artisans. Besides wood's practical advantages -- its antibacterial property, moisture control, light weight and ease of use -- another cherished characteristic of Japan's traditional wood articles is their undeniable beauty. Unfortunately, fine-quality wood containers and items of tableware are no longer common possessions because of the difficulty of securing the necessary wood materials and because of the time and peerless skills demanded to fashion these handsome objects of artistic merit.

One artisan who is taking up this contemporary challenge is Eifu Kawamata. Using two varieties of Japanese cypress (hinoki and sawara) from native trees roughly 300 years old, Kawamata creates stunning works of practical art requiring more than 70 specialized steps. With one of his classic wooden containers or his artistically designed tableware, an everyday meal can instantly be turned into a very special occasion -- and a true feast for the eyes.

Number of items: 11

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