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Instantly relaxing in NY state

Message from the client:

Dear Iacopo,

Here are some pictures!!! And I quick question. Can I leave the water in the tub till the next day, empty and then refill? This will keep the wood hydrated? I know at onsen in Japan they are always wet 🙂

Also I absolutely LOVE our tub. The wood is extraordinary and the craftsmanship amazing. I really cannot thank you and your team enough!!!

K. from NY

Reply:

Dear K.

Thank you for your kind feedback and wonderful picture!!

Even just looking at the refined balance between the neutral tones and the warm color of the hinoki makes me feel instantly relaxed…
I am sure it will inspire other japanese lovers browsing our site!

About your question, yes, you can leave the water overnight and drain before refilling.
(from time to time, you can also reuse some water from the day before and just integrate with some hot water)

if you use it daily, it is not strictly necessary to do so, but to be on the safe side, especially for the first season I think it is a great idea, so that the wood can slowly adapt and avoid shrinking.

Best//

iacopo

Enjoying the scent in Israel

Message from the client:

Dear Iacopo,

Thank you so much for the bath set and hinoki oils — everything arrived and was successfully installed, what an amazing experience. The scent is incredibly calming, and we enjoy the bath every single evening. We truly appreciate it!

Regards,

L. from Israel

Reply:

Dear L.

Thank you for your kind feedback and wonderful picture!!
Do you think we could share it in our testimonials corner?

On a side note, please be sure to use it often and prevent dryness.
It is now summer and Israel has a dry climate, so just to be on the safe side, for the first season I would recommend leaving some water inside during the day so that the wood can slowly adapt and avoid it shrinking.

Enjoy the scent!

iacopo

Bartok design at Fashion Factor!

There is news … and there is BIG news.
This is a BIG one!
There is a Fashion event in Dubai from June 13th to 15th called Fashion Factor.
(Incidentally, the Dubai Fashion Week, which is held in February and September, is one of the largest fashion-related events in the world, after Milan, Paris, New York and London.)

And Yes! Our SHU-HA-RI belts will make it on the runway!

If you’re in Dubai, please let us know: we may be able to get you free tickets for the show.
Panel discussions start at 16:00, Shows start at 19:00 (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday)
And if you can’t make it in person, you are welcome to visit the event on the metaverse instead! →https://lu.ma/q7jwgx15

See you on the runway!

Let`s build it together!

This is an appeal to all our clients and testimonials:
The information that you share can help other people like you!

For instance, Jonathan kindly shared on the testimonial corner info about his builder.
https://bartokdesign.com/91-references/surrounded-by-nature.php
This not only helps fellow Japanese bath lovers navigate the traditionally conservative environment of construction companies and find one with experience and a positive attitude.
BUT…
Also, to bring new business (potentially big business!) to your reliable and passionate builder.

Lovely L. from Hawaii shared her findings about products that can help remove stains without damaging the wood… and this is already helping other friends!
https://bartokdesign.com/9-faqcomment/o3-to-remove-stains-and-water-rings.php

Therefore, don’t be shy!

If you already sent us photos to share in our testimonial corner, please send info about your builder! (homepage, phone number etc. I will try to mask it to prevent automated spam as much as possible.)

If you still didnt, or have additional photos: YES! it can make a difference to other friends looking for help and inspiration. Please share!

Last but not least, if you have tricks about cleaning tubs, covering tubs, repairing tubs, reselling and trading tubs, heating, filtering water or whatever is related, please let me know. I will post it in the FAQ for everybody`s convenience and delight!

Thank you in advance for the kind cooperation!
iacopo

two products to remove stains and water rings!

Hello Iacopo,
Some simple questions on the maintenance of the beautiful ofuro.

There is a darkening area on the top surface of the ofuro, a patch of 2”x2”, and other darkening from water splashed on the top surface of the ofuro top rim. Should we be sanding it off to remove the discoloration?

If so, should we apply any type of oil to treat the sanded wood surfaces?

Thank you! C.

Dear C,

One of our clients found these two methods:
1) using Hydrogen Peroxide (O3)
https://youtube.com/shorts/0CX9UmyzX1M?si=pC-VawU7MB1Lw9Ld

2) using a product called Savogran Wood Bleach (Contains Oxalic Acid)
https://savogran.com/pdfs/Wood_Bleach_PD.pdf
Here is a video showing the performance in removing mineral stains made by nails on a piece of wood.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPSvrfUrk_Y

Both methods are reasonably safe on wood (better than bleach)
We cannot say which one will work better in your case, but I have the feeling that both should.
Maybe 2) is faster, 1) requires more applications.

Please keep me updated on the results!!

Best//

Bartok design Japan Co.
iacopo torrini

East meets West in Canada

Message from the client:

Dear Iacopo,

We are really enjoying the ofuro, which is now installed and working well (see photo), although a few minor adjustments in the bathroom are still needed. Thank you very much for your patience while we were working on the renovations. We are slightly worried about the humidity in our apartment as it is low (about 25%) so are working on this.

You are welcome to share the photo on your homepage.

Regards,

C. from Canada

Reply:

Dear C.

25% is actually very low.Aren`t you getting a dry throat?
Is it only during the heating season?

I recommend to keep some water in the ofuro at all times, at least for the first season while the wood is getting accustomed to the new environment.
About the stool. Kondo will contact you on monday.
Thank you for the wonderful picture!

It is amazing how statuary white marble (a staple of western aesthetics) goes well with the natural color of hinoki!
Do you think we can share it in the “testimonials” page on our homepage?

Of course we would omit any personal information. Could just sign it C. from Canada.
Please let me know.

Best//

iacopo

Surrounded by nature

built by Tom Debloise tdebloisbuild<<at>>gmail.com

Message from the client:

Dear Iacopo,

The tub we purchased from you has been installed and in use since June of 2023. It is wonderful.

Here are some pictures.

The design and building of the tub room took great effort and we our grateful to our builder for the extraordinary job he did.
The room looks simple, but the building and installation were remarkably difficult but executed perfectly by Tom.

If you are ever in Vermont fell free to stop by to see the tub.

Best regards

Regards,

J.

Reply:

Dear J.

Thank you for your kind email and photos.

The ofuro being round (maru buro) and considering the refreshing green wrapping the house, i think it can be said, beyond the figurative expression, that when you bath you are surrounded by nature✨

Enjoy the hot water!!

Best//

iacopo

Golden Week – outlet tub

As you know, the Golden Week is a holiday period that takes place from the end of April through the first week of May.
It is actually a cluster of four public holidays: April 29 (birthday of Emperor Showa), May 3 (Constitution Memorial Day), May 4 (Greenery day), May 5 (Children’s day).

Some businesses such as banks, work on April 30th, May 1st and 2nd (unless it falls on weekends) but many bridge the holiday and take the whole 6-7 days period off.
The nice season and the long break make this one of the busiest periods for traveling in Japan, with record sales for the tourism and entertainment industry (hence the name “Golden”, borrowed from the radio programs jargon of the 1950`s)

This year, our relentless carpenters took advantage of some working days during the Golden Week period and prepared for you this beautiful outlet tub so you can enjoy even better your weekends, long weekends and holidays bathing in fragrant hot water!
As you can see from the photo (see also below), we carefully selected the best parts of sawara wood, and the finished product is stunningly beautiful!

Here are the details:
sizes: L1200mm x W750mm x H650mm (external dimensions) – 570mm(depth)

Material: knotless natural Sawara wood bathtub.

1) AB grade tub (quarter sawn) : 450,000. JPY

2) Packaging: 133x88x85cm reinforced cardboard box: 30,000. JPY

3) transportation: to be quoted (please let us know your exact address and postal code: we
will provide a quotation before you purchase the tub)

pdf drawing:

outlet250425 Download

Happy 2025! just let it flow…

Courtesy of Lorenzo Hadar and Tadao Ando

Welcome to the Year of the Snake　~>゜)～～～

In every ancient culture, across continents, the snake is revered as a symbol of wisdom, power, and wealth.

We hope wisdom, power, and wealth will flow into your life in 2025!

The snake is also a symbol of circularity and new beginnings as embodied by the enigmatic symbol of the Ouroboros.

And two snakes twisted together are used as the insignia for the medical profession: a powerful imagery that conceals deep symbolism spanning from the mysteries of Ra to the oriental culture of Kundalini Yoga.

But if I may add what I think is the most stunning take from our cold-blooded friends, it is that:

they do not walk or run.

but still, they can reach their target and find their way.

They flow. 　~>゜)～～～　~>゜)～～～　~>゜)～～～

This is not an argument about letting go, or some other zen-nish wisdom.

I am personally enjoying everyday holstering and bolstering (even if sometimes getting frustrated…)

but the realization that you can glide elegantly through the ups and downs of life like a snake, is inspirational.

When the wind is blowing too strong on my face I will try to keep in mind this mantra:

“let it flow…”

And when it is not enough… I will enter in my ofuro, open the hot water, and let it flow!

Are you with me?

I wish you a truly amazing 2025

Happy New Year!
iacopo

Hinoki ofuro debuts on AD100！

Our client and friend Lorenzo from LA completed his dream house, designed by Tadao Ando.
And the house was featured on AD 2025 special issue (world class 100 projects)
We supplied for this project the ofuro and accessories as well as the shoji, benches and some other furniture.
It is an amazing project and I think that pictures will be more eloquent than words!
That said, I welcome your comments or questions, I am sure that Lorenzo will like to virtually show you around…