YUKI wood is meticulously carved from a single block of solid wood by master woodturners in Japan, who possess world-class skills in Yamanaka lacquerware. Each piece is crafted by artisans in the Yamanaka Onsen area of Ishikawa Prefecture, a region renowned as one of Japan’s three major lacquerware production centers and celebrated as the "home of woodcraft."
Through masterful craftsmanship, this wooden cup is turned to an extreme thinness, highlighting the wood’s inherent lightness, translucence, and smooth, comfortable texture. Furthermore, by utilizing the "vertical grain cutting" method—sourcing material from the cross-section of the log—the cup achieves remarkable strength despite its delicate profile, making it highly resistant to warping or shrinkage.
The cup's soft, rounded lines evoke the quiet, snow-covered beauty of a winter in Yamanaka Onsen, projecting an image that is both gentle and resilient. This unique shape, which fits perfectly and naturally in the palm, is the result of countless prototypes created to find the ideal golden ratio. Native Japanese Keyaki (zelkova) wood, prized for its durability and beautiful grain, further accentuates these elegant curves. The texture, exuding the vitality of nature, offers the soothing warmth unique to natural wood.
As a wooden vessel, it can be used comfortably regardless of the beverage temperature, making it ideal for a wide range of daily uses—from hot tea and cold drinks to spirits.
Through high-quality materials and masterful craftsmanship, the design of this wooden vessel celebrates the inherent natural beauty of the wood, bringing a small yet certain joy to every use. Whether selecting a matching set or pairing different tones, it makes an ideal gift for someone you cherish.
About YUKI wood
YUKI wood features a rounded shape that rests comfortably in the palm of your hand. It is one of the classic products launched at the inception of the MOHEIM brand.
Each wooden cup is carefully crafted by Yamanaka lacquerware artisans in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. Utilizing top-tier craftsmanship celebrated throughout Japan, the cup is exceptionally lightweight, delicate, and smooth to the touch. MOHEIM designer and creative director Shigeichiro Takeuchi shares the story behind the creation of this elegantly soft-lined wooden cup.
Product Story
1. The Origin of the Name "YUKI"
While MOHEIM products are often named directly after the objects themselves, the name "YUKI" is quite unique.
Origin: "YUKI" is derived from the Japanese word for "snow." The name is inspired by the winter snowscapes of Yamanaka Onsen in Ishikawa Prefecture, where the lacquerware is produced. The product and its background evoke an impression of being "soft yet resilient."
2. The Opportunity for Inception
Time: Around 2008.
Trigger: The designer attended a matching event for local traditional craft makers and designers, where he met a Yamanaka lacquerware manufacturer and was inspired to explore creating something together using their techniques.
3. What is "Yamanaka Lacquerware"?
Produced in the Yamanaka Onsen area of Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture, Yamanaka lacquerware boasts a history spanning 450 years. Ishikawa Prefecture is famous for lacquerware, and Yamanaka is one of its three major production centers. The Japanese craft world holds a reputation: "Yamanaka for the wood base, Wajima for the lacquer, and Kanazawa for the gold leaf (maki-e)" (Yamanaka is best known for its woodworking foundation).
While many traditional lacquerware regions use horizontal cutting (yoko-kidori), the most unique aspect of Yamanaka lacquerware is "vertical cutting (tate-kidori)."
Advantages: The wood is cut along the grain in the direction the tree grows. By doing this, the vessel’s grain alignment matches the original growth direction, resulting in a structure that is more robust and less prone to warping or shrinkage.
Process: After vertical cutting, the wood must undergo a drying process lasting 3 to 5 years (significantly longer than typical lacquerware) before being finished by skilled artisans.
5. The Art of "Thin Carving"
The skill of Yamanaka wood lacquerware artisans is considered the finest in Japan. Its greatness lies in the "extreme thinness" of the finished product.
Artisans use superior "thin carving" techniques to shape the rim into an extremely thin and smooth edge. Without sufficient skill, the wood would easily crack or develop holes during processing.
Additionally, artisans must possess the ability to "read the wood grain," rotating the lathe along the grain to minimize distortion and showcase the most beautiful patterns. Even the various carving tools are hand-forged and meticulously sharpened and adjusted by the artisans themselves.
6. Appearance and Material
Design: The designer intentionally ensured that there are "no straight lines" in the appearance. Through fluid, subtle micro-curves, a warm shape that naturally fits the palm is created. This form was perfected after countless millimeter-level adjustments to the prototypes.
Wood Species: Japanese Mizume cherry birch wood is selected for its deep, elegant grain, making every cup unique.
Colors: Initially, there were only the "natural" color, highlighting the wood grain, and the "brown" color, showcasing the beauty of lacquer. Two new colors were added in 2022: "greige" and "natural shibuki (splatter)." The "shibuki" color is hand-sprayed with lacquer by artisans, requiring high skill to ensure the spots are evenly distributed both inside and outside the cup.
7. Daily Use
The surface of YUKI wood is finished with a food-grade urethane coating, so you can safely use it for beverages in your daily life without worrying too much about maintenance. It is perfect for personal use or as a gift.
Specifications (SPEC)
Color options: Natural, Brown, Greige, Black
Dimensions: ⌀78 × H82 (mm)
Material: Japanese zelkova
Surface finish: Food-grade urethane coating
Designer: Shigeichiro Takeuchi
Origin: Made in Japan
Precautions
Avoid soaking in water for extended periods. Wash promptly after use and wipe dry with a soft cloth. Drying it after use will extend the product's lifespan.
Avoid direct sunlight or environments with high humidity. Doing so may cause deformation, fading, or mold.
Use a soft sponge with neutral detergent for gentle cleaning. Do not scrub vigorously, and strictly avoid abrasive sponges, steel wool, or scouring powder (as these may scratch the wood).
Do not use in microwaves, over direct flames, in ovens, in freezers, or in dishwashers.
If the product becomes cracked or damaged, stop using it immediately and replace it with a new one as soon as possible.
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