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GATOMIKIO

KISEN Tea Canister Tier

KISEN Tea Canister Tier

$369.00 USD
$369.00 USD
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Only 2 left in stock

KISEN Tea Canister Tier by GATOMIKIO expresses the natural character of wood through layered form and uninterrupted grain. The word kisen refers to the annual growth rings that record the passage of time, and this canister is designed to present those patterns as a continuous presence rather than a surface detail. Crafted from a single block of zelkova wood, the grain flows seamlessly from the body to the lid, creating a unified visual language.

This continuity is made possible by the refined double structure unique to the KISEN series. The tiered profile introduces a calm sense of rhythm, allowing light and shadow to reveal depth without excess. Functional by nature yet sculptural in impression, the canister stands as an object shaped by growth, restraint, and intention. KISEN transforms the simple act of storing tea into a quiet moment of reflection on material, time, and use.

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.