HIROSHI WASHIZUKA｜ICHII ITTO BORI (WOOD CARVING)

Brand

Bold and delicate, rustic and modern

WASHIZUKA SCULPTURE

• 1996
• ICHII ITTO BORI (WOOD CARVING)
• HIROSHI WASHIZUKA

History

Wooden crafts from the Edo period

The Hida Takayama region of Gifu Prefecture is surrounded by beautiful mountains.

This is a region where wood crafts have thrived since ancient times.

At the end of the Edo period (early 1900s), Ryoucho Matsuda, who was studying sculpture, decided that he wanted to create sculptures that made the most of the grain of wood.

He decided to use yew, a wood with a particularly beautiful grain, rich in color, and easy to carve.

Ryoucho Matsuda's specialty was netsuke carving.

He produced many works with motifs of snakes, frogs, and turtles.

The materials were not colored, but were finished using the beautiful grain and texture of the wood.

The technique of leaving carving marks on the surface of the work is also a characteristic feature.

Ichii Itto Bori (Woodcarving) was designated as a traditional handicraft by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry on May 10, 1975.

Its main products include tea ceremony utensils, figurines, and masks.

Even today, it is loved and passed down through generations as a representative traditional craft of Gifu Prefecture.

Characteristic

Maximizing the beauty of materials

I was born in Gifu Prefecture in 1971.

My name as a sculptor is Moku-jin.

After graduating from Gifu Technical High School in 1990, I apprenticed myself to Hisayuki Wani, a traditional craftsman of Ichii Itto Bori (Woodcarving).

I became independent in 1996 and opened Washizuka Sculpture.

In 1998, I joined the Hida Ichii Itto Bori (Woodcarving) Association.

In 2010, I was certified as a traditional craftsman.

My main works are figurines of Hotei and turtles, which have long been considered lucky charms.

I also make modern ornaments such as owls and whales.

In the production process, I first examine the yew, a traditional material.

Then, carving is done to bring out the beauty of the wood grain and the best of each material.

The entire process is done by hand, using chisels and knives.

The resulting pieces have a bold texture with a delicate expression.

This balance is the charm of my work.

For Customers

Peace of mind for you and the world

I continue to create pieces utilizing the traditional techniques of Ichii Itto Bori (Woodcarving).

On the other hand, I also create works that are acceptable to modern life and sensibilities.

I want more people to know about Ichii Itto Bori (Woodcarving).

I have been giving demonstrations at department store events all over the country.

I have also been abroad.

I participated in the "Nippon Salone" held in Milan in 2015.

I also gave demonstrations in France and the Netherlands.

I may come to your area.

If so, I would like you to come and see my work.

I would be happy if you could find a momentary peace of mind when you see my work.

The warmth of the simple woodwork from the Hida region of the mountains.

I hope that the charm will reach you and the world!

Award

2007 Hida Ichii Itto Bori (Woodcarving) Collaborative Group Director was appointed

2010 Certified as a traditional craftsman

Producer

Bringing the value of "Japan's hidden talent" to more people

■J Flavor

Bringing smiles to the local community, to the world, and to society.

We, J Flavor, are a craft production group that creates new value by combining the various talents that Japan possesses in terms of tradition, technology, and sensitivity.

We want people all over the world to know the talent that Japan.

Through the value of Japanese products, we aim to create a society where everyone has a smile.