A Dish Crafted with an Artisan who Specializes in Indigo-Dyed Knives
In Tokushima, the part of a tree from its roots up to about one meter above ground is called "ikabari."
For high-quality furniture and building materials, the part of the tree that grows straight above one meter from the ground is harvested because its wood grain is uniform and beautiful.
In contrast, the "ikabari" which is the root section, has a drastically irregular wood grain. This is because it represents the tree's attempt to spread its roots into the earth. Due to this irregularity, it has not been treated as a high-grade wood.
However, it shows the honest appearance of a living being.
Since the amount that can be harvested from one root is small, the number of dishes that can be produced is also limited.
We hope that you will feel in this irregular appearance something akin to life, vitality, and something that resonates with us humans.
A waterproof coating material suitable for food sanitation standards is applied to the entire surface, ensuring that the indigo dye does not fade and also enhancing hygiene. These distinctive dishes will transform your dining table into a rich experience.
【About the Artisan】
When thinking of Tokushima Prefecture, indigo dyeing comes to mind. Due to the frequent flooding of rivers caused by typhoons, upstream soil and mud were carried downstream, creating fertile land suitable for cultivation. This became ideal land for indigo, which requires abundant nutrients for growth, leading to the development of indigo dyeing.
On the other hand, Tokushima Prefecture also flourished in woodworking. It is said that there were many skilled artisans in the prefecture who made Buddhist altars and high-end furniture. However, traditional crafts rarely engage in cross-industry exchanges. Nonetheless, in Tokushima Prefecture, a miracle occurred with the collaboration between indigo dyeing and woodworking.
Masayoshi Tada of Mai Kobo is one of the pioneers who established this. Through his long years of activity, the number of people engaged in indigo dyeing of wood in the prefecture has increased.
Although he now has health concerns and hand tremors, making it difficult to produce the same volume at the same speed as before, he continues to work in the field. We would be delighted if you could experience the power imbued in his works.