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GATOMIKIO

KISEN Tea Canister Saw

KISEN Tea Canister Saw

$369.00 USD
$369.00 USD
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Only 2 left in stock

KISEN Tea Canister Saw by GATOMIKIO is defined by the quiet drama of natural wood itself. The name kisen refers to the distinctive annual growth rings formed over time, and this piece is conceived to honor that phenomenon without interruption. Each canister is turned from a single block of zelkova wood, allowing the grain to flow continuously from body to lid in an unbroken visual rhythm.

This continuity is achieved through a refined double structure developed specifically for the KISEN series. The result is a form in which function and material are inseparable, and the canister reads less as a container and more as a sculptural object shaped by growth and time. The saw like carved surface enhances this presence, adding depth while preserving balance. KISEN invites a slower appreciation of tea storage, where daily use becomes an encounter with the natural beauty inherent in wood.

Detail

Size: W 3.1in x L 3.1in x H 4.3in / W 8cm x L 8cm x H 11cm
Material: Zelkova
Coating: Urethane

Due to handmade woodworking and material characteristics, each product has subtle variations in size, shape, texture, and appearance.

Care ＆ Use

  • Avoid direct sunlight, excessive humidity, or extremely dry conditions, as these may cause warping, cracking, or fading.
  • Avoid sudden temperature changes and prolonged exposure to heat sources.
  • Clean gently with a soft, dry cloth. If necessary, use a lightly dampened cloth and dry thoroughly immediately after.
  • Do not soak in water.
  • Do not use dishwashers, dish dryers, microwave ovens, or ovens.
  • Avoid abrasive sponges, scouring powders, alcohol, or chemical cleaners, as these may damage the surface finish.
    Ensure the item is completely dry before storage.
  • Store in a well ventilated area away from direct heat.
  • Over time, subtle changes in tone or sheen may occur. This natural aging does not affect functionality and reflects the character of the material.
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The quiet precision of Yamanaka woodturning

In the mountains of Ishikawa Prefecture, the hot spring town of Yamanaka Onsen has cultivated one of Japan’s most sophisticated woodturning traditions. For over four centuries, artisans here—known as kiji-shi—have specialized in forming the wooden cores used in lacquerware. What sets Yamanaka apart is its use of tategidori, a vertical-grain cutting technique that produces durable, visually striking forms, along with hikimono (lathe-turned objects) that require exceptional control and intuition.

A hallmark of this craft is kashokubiki, or decorative lathe carving. Using chisels against spinning wood, artisans etch fine surface patterns that enrich both the tactile experience and visual depth of each piece. Techniques include sensuji (thousand-stripe lines), arasuji (bold grooves), and itomesuji (thread-like stripes), among others—each expressing the rhythm and skill of the turner. Once hidden beneath lacquer, these carvings are now often revealed as a quiet testament to craftsmanship. Yamanaka woodturning remains a masterclass in restraint, materiality, and enduring elegance.

Brand History

GATOMIKIO is a contemporary tableware brand rooted in the legacy of Gato Mokkousho (Gato Woodworks), a woodturning workshop founded in 1908 in Yamanaka Onsen by master craftsman Mikio Gato. Established in Japan’s most renowned lacquerware region, the studio has long specialized in shaping kiji—the turned wooden forms that serve as the foundation of fine lacquerware.

Today, GATOMIKIO builds on this heritage with a vision attuned to contemporary life. The brand’s minimalist wooden vessels are not hidden beneath layers of decoration, but designed to be seen, touched, and used. Each piece is made from carefully selected domestic hardwoods and finished using fuki-urushi, a traditional method in which natural lacquer is repeatedly applied and wiped away to highlight the wood’s grain with a clear, subtle luster.

Blending precision turning with timeless materials, GATOMIKIO creates tableware that is both grounded and refined—objects that speak softly, age beautifully, and bring the quiet strength of generational craft into the everyday.