Wood Marquetry by Kenji
Wood marquetry is a wood art technique that expresses paintings and patterns using various natural woods.
In the Hakone-Odawara region, this technique was newly developed around the mid-Meiji period. By attaching a sewing machine saw to an electric jigsaw, patterns are cut out from a base plate according to drawn designs, and similarly cut-out wood pieces are fitted in to create paintings and designs.
The completed pieces are called tanaita (base plates) and are thinly shaved with a special large plane to create the final products.
This technique is a precious traditional craft with no global equivalent.
Main woods used in wood marquetry:
Aka-gusu, Katsura Jindai, Enju, Mayumi, Nigaki, Kurumi
Daily Cleaning: Use a soft brush or damp cloth to gently wipe away dirt. Avoid harsh chemicals. For mesh areas, use diluted mild detergent and a soft brush.
Drying: Air dry in a cool, shaded place after cleaning. Avoid direct sunlight or high heat, which can cause fading and glue deterioration.
Storage: Stuff with paper to maintain shape when not in use. Store in a dry, ventilated area to prevent mold. Rotate between multiple pairs to extend lifespan.
Usage Notes: Designed for basketball. Not recommended for hiking, long-distance running, or other specialized sports where different performance features are required.
Good value for the price. The item works as expected and there have been no issues during use. Everything seems to function properly.