Indigo Meets Wood. Wood Meets Light.
Every piece of wood tells a story — and in this tray, that story is told in indigo. Natural wood veneers are hand-cut into triangles and laid in a radial pattern using MORIKOUGEI's signature Kōsen-bari technique. The surface is then dyed using the traditional fermentation-vat indigo method of Tokushima. Two crafts, centuries apart, meeting in a single object.
White Sycamore and Indigo — When Material Meets Colour
The wood beneath the indigo is White Sycamore — a species prized for its ripple figure, a delicate wave-like shimmer that runs across the grain. When natural indigo is applied, something shifts: the depth of the dye brings the ripple figure into sharper relief, and what was subtle becomes vivid. The wood's own character rises through the colour rather than disappearing beneath it.
Laid in the radial Kōsen-bari pattern, this surface takes on a further dimension — the grain shifts with every angle of light, so the tray looks different in morning sun than in the warmth of evening. Indigo, wood, and light: the three are inseparable in this piece.
The Art of Fermentation-Vat Indigo Dyeing
The indigo used in this tray is produced through Hakko-date — the traditional fermentation-vat method that has been practiced in Tokushima for centuries. Indigo leaves are fermented, and the dye is built up through repeated immersions. The result is a depth of colour that synthetic dyes cannot replicate: rich, layered, and alive in a way that only natural processes can produce.
The Geometry of Handcraft
MORIKOUGEI has devoted three generations to the art of wood veneer craftsmanship in Tokushima, Japan — elevating the precision techniques of architectural and furniture veneering into fine objects for daily life. Each tray is made one by one by hand, with the artisan carefully reading the grain direction, angle, and individual character of every piece of wood. The result is a quiet intensity that no mass production can replicate.
A Beauty That Deepens Over Time
Natural indigo develops with use. As the dye settles and softens, the wood grain beneath grows more defined — the tray becomes more itself with every passing year. Please note that as a natural material, wood grain and color will show slight variations between pieces. This is the unique character of the wood itself, and no two trays are ever identical.
A Gift Worth Giving
Each tray arrives in a dedicated premium gift box. Chosen often as a wedding gift, housewarming present, or a gift for friends and colleagues abroad — the warmth of natural wood, the depth of natural indigo, and the quiet skill of Japanese craftsmanship speak where words fall short.
Product Details
Size: Φ280 × H23 mm (approx. 11" × 0.9")
Material: Natural wood veneer (White Sycamore)
Finish: Urethane clear coat
Design: graf
MADE IN JAPAN
※ Tray only. Tableware shown in photographs is not included.
※ Premium gift box included.
Care Instructions
・ As a handcrafted product, minor dimensional differences may occur. We appreciate your understanding.
・ Keep away from moisture, direct sunlight, and high humidity.
・ Not suitable for use in dishwashers or microwave ovens.
— Shipping —
Domestic Shipping (Japan)
◉ Please see here for rates and details.
◉ Please note that we do not ship on weekends or public holidays. All orders are dispatched on weekdays only.
International Shipping
◉ We ship worldwide to all deliverable destinations.
◉ Shipping rates vary by region and weight. Please see here for rates and details.
◉ Any customs duties or import taxes upon delivery are the responsibility of the recipient.
