Reflecting on the History of Cedar

The dark rings of the annual growth rings are layers formed as the tree endured the cold of winter. The sections between these dark rings are layers that grew rapidly in the summer.

 

Therefore, if the spacing between these rings is narrow, the tree grew slowly even in summer, meaning it grew on a north-facing side or in the shade. Wider rings indicate a tree that grew vigorously on a south-facing slope. Partial changes must have occurred due to environmental shifts during that particular year.

The gradually appearing color is resin.
It is secreted to protect the tree from water and injuries.
Considering it as a testament to the hard work of cedar, which is originally low in fat, makes me feel a sense of closeness to it.
Perhaps it was a rainy season, or maybe an animal poked it.

  

If the annual rings are pulled, there must have been a knot beyond them.
Some pieces even contain the knots themselves.
Knots in the product are solid, hard "live knots."
Knots are the basic elements for growing branches, a source of vitality.

 

Thinking this way, while unblemished, beautiful grain is good, a piece with a slightly unusual grain can also be quite interesting. Each cedar tree carries a story of its own environment and how it lived.  

 

 

Kame・Kamehachi Series: Inverted Shades

When lacquer is applied, the soft summer layers absorb the lacquer deeply, turning a dark brown.
The hard winter layers, along with durable parts such as resin and knots, do not absorb the lacquer easily, resulting in a thin coat that shines like gold. Precisely because of the wipe-lacquer finish, which enhances the natural material, it truthfully tells the history of the material.