A journey where a craftsman meets a craftsman

Mori Kougei is an artisan workshop situated in Tokushima Prefecture, dedicated to the meticulous craft of producing exquisite veneer, which serves to make furniture.
My encounter with Mori Kougei began when they participated in the "Blue2@Tokushima" project, an overseas business initiative in Tokushima Prefecture, where I had the opportunity to be involved as a producer.

Furniture Making Thrives in Tokushima

When you hear about Tokushima Prefecture, "indigo dyeing" may come to mind, but it is also a thriving place for furniture making. In the past, a furniture called "kagamidai" used primarily by women at home for makeup was rather famous, but nowadays, various types of furniture such as tables, desks, shelves, and more are being crafted.

In the history of furniture production, a "hollow structure" was invented to reduce weight and improve precision during production. Additionally, the method of using veneer - thinly sliced natural wood - and attaching it to the surface of plywood became widely adopted.




The skill of veneering - transforming what cannot be created solely from solid wood into tangible forms

Furniture made from solid wood, maintaining the natural texture and charm of the wood, is undoubtedly beautiful. However, by using veneer, it becomes possible to create furniture with unique shapes and high design aesthetics that cannot be achieved using solid wood alone, while still preserving the natural feel and character.





Mori Kogei is an expert in veneer craftsmanship, showcasing remarkable skill in laminating thin sheets of natural wood, with a thickness of mere millimeters, onto plywood.

Mori Kougei’s expertise in understanding the characteristics of wood and expanding the potential it holds is what sets them apart

The technique utilizing veneer, known as 'Kousenbari' (veneer inlay), is truly an art form of wood. This approach allows for captivating expressions that go beyond what can be achieved with solid wood, all the while enjoying the beauty of the natural wood grain. Of course, it is also possible to dye this veneer with indigo, adding yet another dimension to Mori Kougei’s craftsmanship.





I sincerely hope that you can enjoy Mori Kougei's art pieces, crafted with their profound understanding of the characteristics of wood, in the comfort of your own home.