Traditional Japanese crafts that fascinate the viewer with their age-old techniques. This time, we will introduce Yosegi Zaiku(Japanese marquetry), a craft with a history of more than 200 years in Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, which is made from more than 60 types of colored wood, and shows various faces by changing the color scheme. By changing the color scheme, it shows various faces.
All Yosegi Zaiku(Japanese marquetry)is handmade by craftsmen. Whether you actually use it or display it in your room as interior decoration, we would like to introduce some of the many Yosegi Zaiku(Japanese marquetry) products that we recommend.
Marquetry specialty store Ichija’s Muku apple accessory case
The Muku apple accessory case, created by renowned traditional craftsman Katsuyoshi Kanazashi and other artisans, is an apple-shaped accessory case made of Yosegi Zaiku(Japanese marquetry). It is just the right size to fill the palm of your hand, the closest size to an actual apple. You can easily enjoy the beauty and cuteness of muku-no-wood.
This is ideal for holding candies, chocolates, and other small candies, for holding accessories, or for displaying on a shelf. The beautiful marquetry pattern of the muku tree continues inside and on the reverse side of the vessel, so that its expression can be enjoyed from all angles. Although it is a traditional Japanese craft, the somewhat modern atmosphere and the warm expression unique to muku wood are very beautiful and make it a great gift item.
Product name: Apple accessory case|approx. 9 cm (diameter) x 9.5 cm (height)|19,800 yen (including tax)
Cutlery rest by UCHIHARA, Hakone Yosegi Zaiku(Japanese marquetry)
This cutlery rest was created by young artisans of Yosegi Zaiku(Japanese marquetry), such as Eiji Shinoda and Ken Ota. The luxurious muku-zukuri technique, in which thick marquetry boards are carved, harmonizes the natural colors of the wood and can be used with a variety of utensils. It is also wonderful to use for table settings such as parties by placing spoons, forks, and chopsticks on it.
Product name: Cutlery rest|12x2cm thickness 1,2cm|1,430 yen (including tax)
Kobayashi Shoten’s Hakone Seven Lucky Gods
The Hakone Seven Gods of Good Luck dolls, said to be modeled after the traditional Russian folk art “Matryoshka,” were created by rokurozaiku craftsman Kazuyuki Tanaka.
Marquetry and roroku-zaiku are combined to create the Hakone Seven Lucky Gods dolls, which are carved and finished with exquisite skill. All of the Seven Gods of Good Fortune fit inside the nesting box, and the last piece even contains an adorable and happy-looking Uchide-no-Kozuchi (a small mallet).
Product name Matryoshka|5,000 yen (including tax)
Hakone Yosegi Zaiku(Japanese marquetry)wooden road tote bag
The zuku technique is made by combining various types of natural muku wood and slicing the surface of Hakone’s unique patterns with a canner, and the thin paper-like zuku is processed into a tote bag.
The main body of the bag is made of walnut wood, the handles are made of genuine leather, and the inside bag is made of cotton. Weighing only 770 grams, the bag is very easy to carry. It is also a gift for a loved one.
Product name Tote bag|Width 31cm x Height 18cm x Depth 11.5cm, Weight 770g, Handle height 13cm, 2 inside pockets|53,300 yen (including tax)
“Hakoneyama” wooden painting with inlaid wood by Hakone Maruyama Bussan
Wood inlay wood painting by Yoshihiro Ishikawa, who is considered a master craftsman. Moki-zogan woodblock inlay is a typical example of Yosegi Zaiku(Japanese marquetry). Among his many works, we would like to introduce “Hakoneyama”.
Marquetry This work depicts the mountains of Hakone, the home of marquetry, and is handmade using natural materials. The warmth of Yosegi Zaiku(Japanese marquetry)and the detailed depiction of the work will make an impact in your room as an interior decoration.
Product name: Wooden painting with inlay “Hakonezan” |Size (outside dimension) 605x485x26mm Size (picture) 378x284mm |78,000 yen (including tax)
Karakuri Box at the Museum of Karakuri Art in Kanjyo
A traditional piece of Yosegi Zaiku(Japanese marquetry)is the karakuri box. Karakuri Boxes” can only be opened by solving a double- or triple-tiered device. With various tricks such as pushing, shaking, and pulling, it is an item that can be enjoyed by both children and adults.
This is a great place to keep jewelry and other valuables, or for a little interior decoration or as a gift.
Product name Karakuri Box|Size 150x97x70mm Interior 104x78x52mm|16,000 yen (including tax)
Hakone Kougei’s secret box “Akafuji”
This is a gem filled with the splendor of Yosegi Zaiku(Japanese marquetry), handcrafted one by one by artisans. Not only is it a wonderful looking piece, but its unique creation is also a sight to behold.
This is an interesting product with an interesting sense of playfulness, with a wooden inlay of red Fuji on the front and cranes on the back, a mechanism that allows the lid to be opened 12 times, and space for coins to be hidden on the back side of the lid.
The Evangelion Evangelion Hakone Marquetry Strap by Hakone-Yumoto Evangelion Shop
The Evangelion Evangelion Evangelion Yosegi Zaiku(Japanese marquetry)Strap by Hakone-Yumoto Evangelion Shop
The Hakone Yumoto Eva-Ya, known as the official Neon Genesis Evangelion goods specialty store, has collaborated with Yosegi-zaiku to create the Evangelion Hakone strap. Even if you are not an Evangelion fan, you will want to get your hands on this gem.
The coloring of this product is reproduced using natural wood that matches the color of each aircraft, such as purple and red, and you can feel the craftsman’s attention to detail. It comes in a decorative box, making it a perfect gift.
Product name Evangelion Hakone Yosegi Zaiku(Japanese marquetry) strap|1,800 yen (including tax)
Kakudaya Bussan’s four-piece chest of drawers
This four-piece chest of drawers combines a stately elegance with delicate Yosegi Zaiku(Japanese marquetry) . The product is richly decorated with craftsmanship, and the finely depicted small yosegi patterns are stunning.
The surface of the drawer is rounded, giving it a soft feeling. Just by placing one in a room, it is a gem that will drastically change the atmosphere.
Product name: Yosegi Zaiku(Japanese marquetry) four drawer chest of drawers|220mmx330mmx230mm|50,050 yen (including tax)
Terifuri dolls from souvenir shop Ogawa Shoten
Among Yosegi Zaiku(Japanese marquetry) works, terifuri ningyo is one of the most difficult to find. These delicately crafted pieces require a high level of skill, and if you can find one, it is a must-have item.
The Yosegi Zaiku(Japanese marquetry) dolls change their appearance depending on the weather, with the “hare-o” doll on a sunny day and the “ame-o” doll on a rainy day. The axis of the stand on which the doll is mounted moves by twisting when it becomes damp, a mechanism that is filled with a playful spirit and craftsmanship.
Product Name Terifuri Ningyo|Height 15cm Gassho-Zukuri|From 3900 yen (including tax)
Yamaya’s Naruri Dokugaku
Yamaya’s Naru Dokugaku is one of the Yosegi Zaiku(Japanese marquetry) works created by Ryoichi Yamaya. The Naruri Dokugaku, which is said to have come from China, makes a unique sound when it is turned, and the sound is believed to ward off evil spirits, making it a popular good-luck charm.
These pieces come in all sizes, and their luster and delicate marquetry make them a blend of pretty and stately.
Product name Naru Naru Dokuraku|3,500 yen and up (including tax)
The octagonal music box by Koichi Roki is a Yosegi Zaiku(Japanese marquetry) that looks cute and is very popular among women. It is made by hand without any deviation and is a gem that gives a feeling of warmth.
This product is made by the zuku technique, which slices the surface of Hakone’s original pattern with a canna. It is made with Koyorigi pattern around the surface and stripe pattern inside. It is a perfect present or gift for a loved one.
Product name: Hakone Yosegi Zaiku(Japanese marquetry) octagonal music box “Kanon”|Size: 9cm x 9cm x 5cm|6,750 yen (including tax)
Coaster of Hatayado Yosegi Kaikan
Yosegi Zaiku(Japanese marquetry) is filled with the skill of a master craftsman. This coaster is made by combining several different parts, and depending on the combination, it is a gem of a coaster that shows different faces. Adding a stylish item to your coffee time will create a moment of elegance.
Product name: Yosegi Zaiku(Japanese marquetry) coaster|500 yen and up (including tax)
Wooden inlaid owl from Hamamatsuya Honsen
Wood inlay by Ichiro Ishikawa, a descendant of Jinbei Ishikawa, who is said to be the father of marquetry. All of his works are finished with taste, but we recommend the “Owl” wood inlay.
The beautiful grain of the wood and the natural colors of the paintings naturally bring a smile to the face of the artist, making these works of art enjoyable not only for adults but for children as well. It is also available in two sizes so you can choose the one you like best.
Product name: Wood inlay owl Medium size frame [Size of the frame] Width 203mm Height 223mm [Size of the painting] Width 143mm Height 143mm: Medium size frame 5,500 yen (including tax) : Large size 10,000 yen (including tax)
Kinzashi Woodcraft Yosegi Zaiku(Japanese marquetry) and Tatting Lace Earrings
Tatting lace earrings designed in Yosegi Zaiku(Japanese marquetry) , which is very popular among women. The pretty appearance and fine workmanship make this a unique product.
These earrings are perfect for both plain clothes and dresses, and would make a great gift for a friend or loved one.
Product name: Yosegi Zaiku(Japanese marquetry) and tatting lace earrings|Marquetry part is 1.5cm x 1.5cm|3,200 yen and up (including tax)
Kinzashi Woodcraft’s 6.5″ Marquetry Plate
This 6,5″ size serving dish is smooth to the touch and offers a beautiful marquetry pattern. The pattern, which seems to represent nature woven by trees without coloring, gives a very bright, gorgeous and modern impression.
The plate is a beautifully crafted serving dish that looks great not only as a food container, but also as an interior decoration.
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Product name 6.5″ Yosegi Platter|Size: approx. 19.5 x h2.8 cm|17,600 yen (including tax)
Izumiya Karakuri Chest of Drawers
Traditional Hakone Yosegi Zaiku(Japanese marquetry) and natural muku wood are lavishly used to create this high-end chest of drawers with a marquetry finish. Muku is not only beautiful in its grain, but also durable, and its heat-insulating and humidity-controlling properties, which are unique to natural wood, carefully protect the items stored inside.
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This piece is not only for use as your own secret chest of drawers, but is also made for the purpose of “fascination” and is full of playfulness. Combining traditional craftsmen’s marquetry, each piece is a gem of a craftsman’s Iki.
Product name Karakuri-dansu|Exterior dimensions 264x180x198mm|34,500 yen (including tax)
This is a solid smartphone speaker by Kiyokatsu and Kiyotaka Roki, a father and son, striped and graded. It is not something that adjusts the sound with equipment, but rather gathers the sound in a certain direction like a megaphone to make it louder, and the surface treatment features a polyurethane resin coating that is water-resistant.
It can be used not only as a speaker, but also as a phone stand, and can be used with iPhone 6, 7, and other phones that have speakers on the bottom part of the phone.
Product name: Yosegi Zaiku(Japanese marquetry) smartphone speaker|Dimensions: approx. 185 x 58 x 57 mm|21,180 yen (including tax)
Product name: Yosegi Zaiku(Japanese marquetry) smartphone speaker|Dimensions: approx. 185 x 58 x 57 mm|21,180 yen (including tax)
Ruchie’s HAYADORIGI marquetry castanets
Marquetry castanets created by young craftsman Yuta Shimizu. They are gorgeous in appearance and have a different impression from conventional castanets. The sound is also carefully considered, and rosewood is used for the hitting surface.
It is a delicate piece that is great for actual use, but it also makes a great interior decoration piece in any room.
Product name: Yosegi Zaiku(Japanese marquetry) castanets|3,850 yen (including tax)
Homma Marquetry Chocolata
Homma Yosegi Zaiku(Japanese marquetry) ‘s chocolata is a unique pattern that appears on the surface, created by Yosegi Zaiku(Japanese marquetry) Craftsman, Hirotake Homma. Please note that this is not the same as chocolata, a drink made of melted chocolate.
The warmth of the muku wood gives this gem a Yosegi Zaiku(Japanese marquetry) colorful image, but the unified coloring gives it a modern feel. It gives a calm impression and can be used as a room interior.
Product name: Chocolata|Size: H90.0 x W320.0 x D23.5cm Main materials: walnut and mizuki|65,000 yen (including tax)
Summary
Have you enjoyed our 20 recommended traditional Yosegi Zaiku(Japanese marquetry) ?
The charm of Yosegi Zaiku(Japanese marquetry) , which has a history of over 200 years, is its colorful geometric patterns. The unique characteristics of each piece of wood are utilized and combined to create a variety of pieces, none of which are the same