In the Edo period (1603-1867), sculptor Ryoucho Matsuda noticed the beauty of the grain of the famous yew tree in the Hida Takayama region of Gifu Prefecture, surrounded by beautiful mountains, and produced carvings.
Taking advantage of the quality of the material, he created "Ichii Itto Bori," a style of carving that leaves the marks of the carving knife without coloration.
Hiroshi Washizuka (carving name: Mokujin) apprenticed himself to Hisayuki Wani, a traditional craftsman of Ichii Itto Bori , and became independent in 1996.
In 2010, He was certified as a traditional craftsman.
He creates new works that add color to modern life while preserving tradition.