Vintage Kakunodate Kabazaiku Cherry Bark Tray

A vintage Japanese Kabazaiku tray from Kakunodate, Akita Prefecture, one of Japan’s renowned centers of traditional cherry bark craftsmanship.

This piece bears the designation of the Kakunodate Craft Cooperative Association (角館工芸協同組合) and was preserved unused in its original box.

The tray has a distinctive geometric, faceted form, giving this traditional craft an unusually architectural and contemporary presence.

Its interior prominently displays the expressive natural grain of the wood, while deep reddish-brown cherry bark creates strong linear accents across the surface.

The contrast between the pale wood grain, dark edges, and cherry bark produces an almost graphic composition.

KAKUNODATE KABAZAIKU

Kabazaiku is a traditional Japanese craft associated particularly with Kakunodate in Akita Prefecture.

The craft uses the bark of wild cherry trees, valued for its deep reddish-brown color, natural luster, and distinctive texture.

In this piece, the cherry bark is used selectively alongside exposed wood grain rather than covering the entire surface, creating a particularly striking interplay between the two natural materials.

KAKUNODATE CRAFT COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION

The piece is marked/labeled with the Kakunodate Craft Cooperative Association (角館工芸協同組合), connecting it directly to the traditional craft industry of Kakunodate, Akita.

FORM & DETAILS

The tray has an unusual geometric outline with faceted sides and a shallow raised rim.

Its strong silhouette allows it to function not only as a tray but also as a decorative wooden object.

It can be used to display tea utensils, vessels, jewelry, small collected objects, or simply appreciated for its material and construction.

CONDITION

Vintage unused stored condition.

The piece has been preserved in storage and comes with its original box.

Very minor signs of long-term storage may be present due to age even though the tray has not been used. Please refer carefully to the photographs for its exact condition.

SIZE

Approx. 23 × 21 cm / 9.06 × 8.27 in
Depth: approx. 4 cm / 1.57 in

Material: Wood, cherry bark
Origin: Kakunodate, Akita Prefecture, Japan
Association: Kakunodate Craft Cooperative Association
Includes: Original storage box
Condition: Vintage, unused stored condition

PLEASE NOTE

This is a vintage, one-of-a-kind item.

Natural variations in wood grain, cherry bark texture, and coloration are characteristics of the materials and are not considered defects.

The photographs show the actual item you will receive.