Japanese gift packaging
Because of paulownia's excellent properties (lightness, humidity control, fire resistance, insect resistance, etc.), paulownia boxes " Kiribako " have been used for packaging and storage of traditional crafts, beginning with Buddhist ritual utensils, tea ceremony accessories, kimonos, and other items. It has been used from the Heian period (794-1185） to the present. Since Kiribako and autograph on boxes also play a role in determining whether the items are genuine or not, the perception that "paulownia boxed = expensive" has taken root in Japanese culture. Because of this cultural background, the use of Kiribako became popular not only for crafts but also for Japanese gift packaging few decades ago. For example, […]
About paulownia "Kiri"
Characteristic of paulownia Paulownia is a hardwood tree belonging to the family Gramineae. It is a fast-growing tree that can produce wood in a short period of time. It is planted not only in Japan but also overseas as a horticultural tree because of its early growth and beautiful flowers. Also it is the lightest (lowest density) wood in Japan, and has excellent heat insulation and humidity control properties, as well as low shrinkage and swelling rates and low distortion as wood. Among Japanese wooden furniture, paulownia chests are particularly outstanding. History of paulownia and human society in Japan In Japan, there are several emblems based on the white paulownia […]
How to make Japanese wooden boxes "Kiribako"
STEP 1 Removing Acidity from Wood and Drying Paulownia wood is left out in the rain for about 2 to 3 years to remove the scum, and then dried in a hot bath to further improve the quality of the paulownia wood. If the box is made without sufficient removal of the scum and drying process, it may crack, deform, or discolor, which will affect the finish of the box. STEP 2 Lumbering After removing acidity and drying, the logs are sawn into various sizes and thicknesses for processing. At this time, we sort the lumber to determine its material quality and grain. STEP 3 Frameworking The paulownia wood is […]
How the box culture developed in Japan.
What were the roots of the box in Japan? The box was also introduced from China as a Chinese chest. It can be said that without China, nothing can be said about Japanese culture. The first boxes that came to Japan were used to store Buddhist ritual utensils. This eventually spread to be for sutras, kesa, and Buddhist rosary and so on. In those days, boxes were not necessary for the general public, and only tools related to the noble Buddhist religion were carefully stored and preserved in such boxes. This was also the case with Shintoism.The box was first used to store tools for religious purposes. As the Nara（710-784） […]
What is Hako-gaki ?
"Hako-gaki" means autograph or note of authentication written on a box containing an artworks. Most of the accessories used for tea ceremonies are sored in a paulownia kiri wooden box " Kiribako "with an Hako-gaki, which is written in black ink. For example, tea bowls and tea accessories made by "Raku ware"（a type of Japanese pottery traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies） are often inscribed on the back of the box lid (and sometimes on the front of the lid as well) by Iemoto (the head of the tea ceremony) and other prominent tea masters of the period. The name and origin of the tea accessory that is the contents […]
What is Sanada-himo ?
It is said that Masayuki Sanada, who was famous Samurai, wrapped "Sanada-himo（string）" around his armor for his exploits and named it as "the cord used by Sanada". Hard and strong, Sanada-himo was used as a tool to tie items tightly, and was used to secure armor and harnesses and to carry heavy loads during the samurai period. Later, Sanada-himo was introduced into the tea ceremony by Sen no Rikyu who created tea ceremony. Hanging over paulownia Kiri boxes "Kiribako" used to hold tea utensils, the beautiful colors and patterns of the Sanada-himo became a cipher, allowing one to determine at a glance whether the contents of the box were genuine […]
Paulownia wooden box "Kiribako" for storage
Paulownia wood boxes have the following characteristics; ・Humidity control・Fire resistance・Low distortion・Insect resistant・The lightest wood in Japan In Japan, where there are four seasons and high humidity, paulownia wooden boxes "Kiribako" have been used for about 500 years as a storage box. Here are some examples of storage using the characteristics of Kiribako. Tea Ceremony accessories. The use of Kiribako began with the spread of the tea ceremony. The specifications of the box and the color of the Sanada-himo cord favored by the schools of tea ceremony, and the box is made just the right size so as not to take up too much clearance from the artwork. Also the specifications […]
How Kimono pattern "Chrimen" Crepe Fabric Boxes are used in Japan.
１．Interior decoration The beautiful Japanese patterns of "Chirimen" crepe box will add color to your room when displayed as interior decoration. ２．Storage As a sewing or DIY tool box Keep your easily scattered sewing and DIY tools in one place As a memory box It is a convenient size for storing notebooks, diary, New Year's cards, letters, family photos, etc. The lid prevents dust from entering and keeps your memories safe and secure. Memories will come back to you when you open it. As a box for daily necessities It is useful for temporarily putting away items that you want to keep close at hand. For example, you can put […]
How Paulownia wooden box "Kiribako" are used in Japan
Since the tea ceremony began to spread in Japan about 500 years ago, paulownia wooden boxes called "Kiribako" has been valued for the purpose of protecting tea accessories. Its characteristics such as humidity control, insect resistance, fire resistance, lightness, and minimal distortion made it the most suitable protective box among the many wooden materials. In addition to the purpose of protection, the box also serves to increase the value of the work by providing proof of the artisan's signature on the box. Even today, antique tea ceremony accessories without Kiribako cannot be bought and sold at high prices. There is still a custom of having a new kiribako and having […]
How Japanese Washi Boxes are used in Japan
Japanese Washi box is made by pasting Washi onto strong and thick cardboard. In Japan, they have long been sold as packages for Japanese sweets and tea for souvenirs and gifts. Compared to Western paper, Washi is by nature stronger and less prone to tearing and deterioration, making it a suitable material for food products. Using advanced techniques, it is characterized by its thin, smooth appearance and exquisite, delicate, uniquely Japanese colors. These packages for candy from a confectionery company in Kyoto, Japan. It is elegant and looks as if it carries the air of Kyoto. It is a perfect gift or souvenir. The recipient will surely be pleased. It […]