A hexagonal kumiko plate that can be used in three ways: as a tray, a folding screen, or a hanging flower vase.

Kumiko work is a traditional woodworking technique used in Japanese architecture, and in recent years it has been adopted by inns, restaurants and other establishments to express traditional Japanese culture and a sense of luxury.

Because there are only a limited number of craftsmen with the advanced Kumiko skills, their products are expensive and not easily available.
However, beautiful Kumiko craftsmanship is highly valued by Japanese people and people who love Japanese culture, and in an attempt to meet this demand, laser-made imitations of Kumiko crafts began to appear.
However, imitation Kumiko products are completely different from the real thing, and anyone who holds one in their hands will realize that there is a world of difference in their appeal.

Our shop is committed to authentic Kumiko craftsmanship, and we develop products that are affordable for individuals and allow people to experience the charm of Kumiko craftsmanship in their everyday lives. This product in particular has a wide variety of uses, making it a highly useful product.

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What is Kumiko?

Kumiko is one of the techniques included in "Traditional Japanese Architecture," which is registered as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO.And it is a technique used in traditional Japanese architecture to make fittings such as doors, shoji screens, sliding doors, and windows.

It is a technique in which pieces of wood are cut into precise pieces about 1 to 3 mm thick and assembled into geometric patterns without the use of nails. Its origins are said to date back to the Asuka period.

Kumiko is revered as the ultimate luxury item due to the beauty of its shape and the perfection of manual work. Kumiko is also used not only in buildings, but also in everyday items and small items, and is popular as an item that gives you a sense of Japanese traditional culture at hand.

Product Features

Kumiko crafts have been used since ancient times for doors, sliding doors, transoms, and other items in Japanese architecture. The wood used for most of these is Hinoki.
Hinoki is the wood used in the world's oldest wooden building, Horyuji Temple, and is durable, so it has long been loved by the Japanese.

 

This tray features three hemp leaf patterns in wenge (dark brown), purple heart (purple), and bubinga (brown). Each color is the natural color of the wood. Hemp leaf is the most popular of the many kumiko patterns, and is imbued with wishes for long life, protection from evil, and healthy growth.
In Japan, it is customary to dress children in hemp leaf patterned baby clothes with these wishes in mind.
Therefore, this hemp leaf pattern product is suitable for a variety of celebrations.

The hexagonal shape itself is a strong structure, and Mitsukude is also made using 3mm thick wood, making it a piece that strikes a good balance between beauty and strength.
However, since the Kumiko work itself is originally made using a method that does not use a single nail, please do not apply too much force.

The frame of the hexagonal tray is not vertical when viewed from the side, but is inclined. This makes it easier to hold when lifting the tray off the table.

The tray is made of wood, so it cannot be washed with water. To protect it from dirt and water, an acrylic plate is placed on top. It is removable, so it is easy to clean just the acrylic plate.

It can be used in various ways as a tray, but the included legs and vase expand its uses even further.
Enjoy arranging with your own ideas.

Product usage examples

Examples of use as a tray

It can be used like a plate to hold Japanese sweets or sushi, or like a placemat to hold tableware and food. It also adds a touch of elegance to your hospitality.

It can also be used as a base for folk crafts. It adds depth and enhances the sense of luxury compared to displaying folk crafts alone. You can enjoy changing the folk crafts you have on hand depending on your mood.

Example of use as a folding screen

Kumiko crafts are themselves works of art, so you can display them in your room as objects to enjoy the craftsmanship.
You can also combine them with ornaments you already have to transform them into a variety of original ornaments.
For example, Hina dolls and May dolls can be expensive if you buy them as a set with decorations such as a pedestal and folding screen, but if you purchase just the small doll and combine it with this folding screen, you will have a very gorgeous-looking Hina doll or May doll set.
Since all of these are seasonal items, you can use them for other purposes once the season is over.

Example of use as a vase

When you want to decorate your entrance with fresh flowers, even a few flowers will create a gorgeous effect. A single flower vase can look lonely, but with this vase, even if you only put leaves in it, it will look good.
Using this product, you can create floor decorations with just a few fresh flowers at a tea ceremony, providing a sophisticated display of hospitality.

The vase is circular, so you can take advantage of this characteristic and arrange the flowers at an angle. You can also adjust the position of the vase by changing the length of the string, and you can change the direction of the three-color kumiko pattern, so you can enjoy various arrangements.

 

This product's production scene

(1) Wood cutting　(kidori)

The "wood cutting" process is carried out to prepare all of the materials for Kumiko craft. To make beautiful Kumiko, it is necessary to cut pieces of wood of precise size, and part of this process is done efficiently and accurately by machine.

(2) Making the base frame (jigumi)

Jigumi is the framework into which the kumiko pattern is embedded. The jigumi is made by combining two types of thin boards with evenly spaced notches.
The notches have a set size and angle, and if they are misaligned the boards will not fit together perfectly, so precision is required.

(3) Creating the Kumiko Pattern

The small parts needed to make a kumiko pattern are called "leaves". 
Kumiko patterns are made by inserting leaves into the base. If you insert them the wrong way, they will not fit together, so this is a job that requires carefulness and patience. Glue is used for the joints.

 

(4) Attach a frame

After the Kumiko pattern has been created, cut the overhang of Mitsukude to make a hexagonal shape. After this, attach the frame.

 

 

Perfect as a Japanese souvenir

There are many products that convey Japan's traditional techniques, but many of them are expensive due to their high value, and many are priced so high that people hesitate to buy them as souvenirs.
This product meets the need to provide an affordable Japanese souvenir for those who are looking for the real thing. Please use it as a souvenir from Japan for those who will be looking after you while you are studying abroad, or as a gift for fans of traditional Japanese culture.

The product comes with an explanatory document on how to use it and the appeal of Kumiko.

Experience the beauty of Kumiko up close

This product is considered auspicious as it features a hexagon and hemp leaf motif, which symbolize longevity.
It was created by a single craftsman, putting in a lot of time and effort, from sourcing the materials to designing and manufacturing.
Please purchase a copy and enjoy this wonderful piece up close.