Wooden spoon made in Yamanaka-- a small area of Ishikawa prefecture, Japan.

We were introduced to this traditional wood craft company on a visit of craftspeople in Ishikawa prefecture. A family run business, they have been creating wooden cutlery and tableware since the 1950s. Their area, Yamanaka, is one of 3 main producers of Japanese wood products and their products are generally referred to as Yamanaka Shiki. 

Designated by the Japanese government as an official dento-kogei (a traditional craft), Yamanaka Shikki carry a 400 year history and merges 2 traditional crafts into one: wood carving using a lathe (a rotating device where the wood rotates while the carving blade holds steady), and lacquering. 

Product of Japan

Natural beech wood, 17cm long.