japanese ofuro bathtubs, tatami, shoji screens, hot tub spa

Wabisabi Culture (a japanese style ryokan and meditation center in central Italy) and their large Bartok design ofuro have been featured on Tokyo TV!
The ofuro footage starts at around 2:20 on the video below:

Big news: 3 of our tubs have been featured on DWELL
http://www.dwell.com/post/slideshow/all-about-japanese-soaking-tubs#5

In case you did not notice it, the dollar and euro are gaining value over the yen.
Today, one dollar buys you almost 91 yen, it was 78 yen/dollar six months ago.
In few words, if you purchase a japanese bathtub now you can save about 20% compared to the price you would have payed in summer 2012.
Is the yen weakness going to last? We do not know, anyway the boost of exports and the planned increase of the sales tax (from 5% to 8% in 2014 and 10% in 2015) create the premises for demand increase which can boost the economy and generate a flow of capitals towards the japanese stock market.

Is the yen going back to 78 yen per dollar? Again nobody can say it, but it is likely that it is going to stabilize to a medial value for the months to come.
If you are planning to buy an ofuro, this may be the chance you were waiting for...!

From the land of the rising sun, we could see the beginning of 2013 before most of the other countries. And, despite the uncertainty of this period, we had the clear impression that it will be a DELICIOUS new year!

We would like to participate our warmest wishes to all our japan loving friends all over the world!

A block of quarter-sawn lumber is split in planks for making a bathtub. The thichness is 45mm: once it is planed it will be 42mm finished.

a beautiful japanese ofuro. Who`s taking a bath here?
and, what is the cameraman doing with my hinoki bathtubs ... ?

Last week I was interviewed for fuji television, the media coverage of the "new wave of the japanese bathing culture" is rising ... and there I am in the spotlight again :) !

Yes, today is the day. The primetime TV program featuring two of our ofuros used abroad will be on air tonight. But... WAIT A MINUTE!...
I was so surprised to see this full color advertisment on the morning paper!!
"CAUTION THIS IS CALIFORNIA"

Channel 19, a major TV broadcasting company in japan contacted with reference to our hinoki bathtubs...!
They run a very popular program: "Wafū Sōhonke" which would translate "total Japanese traditional house". They make a show every week (with rebroadcasting on saturdays) about japanese traditional crafts. -> -> http://www.tv-osaka.co.jp/ip4/wafu/

They shoot 2 locations where our tubs are installed, in Italy and California.
I am also looking forward to see it and hear the clients`s comments !!

The program will be aired on 2/16, see more details here below:

Aired Date: February 16th, 2012 (Thursday) 9:00PM 1.5hour Special
Cast: Takeo Chii, Hisako Manda, Takahiro Azuma and more
Show Summary) Through this show, we are reporting the "Heart of Japan" to our audience.
We want to reconsider "Japanese Culture" that we think we know, but we actually might not.

Project Title: Made in Japan Products That Are Found in the World-Part 2

Project Summary:
The skills and quality in goods created in Japan are kept by the Japanese craftsman and those are not only recognized in Japan but also in the world. Japanese products are utilized in unexpected places in the world. This project is a part 2 of a search of those unknown "Made in Japan" goods in the world.

we have been featured on this blog!
http://cranedesignforbetterliving.wordpress.com/2012/02/07/japanese-soaking-tubs/

Feel free to check out~

Our friends ryokan in central Italy -wabisabiculture - have been featured in a weekend very popular container TV program!

For the streaming video refer to the link below:
http://www.rai.tv/dl/RaiTV/programmi/media/ContentItem-57f75881-45be-4710-8846-d5586537de23.html#p=0

For the intro about Wabisabi Culture fastforward the timeline until min. 21:50

First of all thanks again to the architect who commissioned us this hinoki bathtub, and congratulations for his superb architectural design quality!

I feel that the rough and natural feeling of the knotty wood complements perfectly the classy shine of the glass mosaic walls.

His work was featured in Interior Design Magazine, I recommend to see also the picture gallery for a full overview of the house.

Yes, by popular demand we can now supply a spherical drain plug!
It is cool and can plug the drain socket in direction.
It should fit your 40A type drain fitting.

The ball is in durable chemical rubber: after many years it may shrink slightly but will not ovalize.
The chain and ring are in stainless steel.
The price is:
4,500 JPY as an option for a new tub
or
6,000 JPY + EMS shipping fee if you only want to purchase the plug.

Here are some pictures of a hinoki tub installed in a house in Tokyo.
Note that the ledge contains the recirculation system valve (we DO NOT provide the system itself. In Japan most of the home use hot water heaters are equipped with this option.)

After the wall is finished, the tub is placed.

Note the cuts in the ledge to drain the water accumulating on the ledge.

Few years ago we shipped a tub to Hawaii.
I remembered they were planning to finish the area around the tub with river stones.
Yesterday, a client was looking for a similar solution, so I tried to check the homepage to see if they had a picture of the tub installed.

And yes, there it is...

Copyright of the picture by Four Seasons Resort.

---

You can find another idea of a tub buried in river stones here:

Copyright of the picture by Zimbio

Our policy is to produce custom ofuros freshly after your order.
This way we do not have to use a lot of space to store the stock and do not have to immobilize capital for ready-to-ship products.

The customer`s advantage is a reasonable price, maker-to-client and the possibility to adapt the tub to your needs and bathroom sizes, up to the milllimeter!

For this reason, feel free to ask us a custom quotation. We are at your disposal!

This said, If you just want to have a quick reference or compare with standard sizes of different makers, please refer to the chart below. Again, this is just for reference, always ask for a final quotation as we may be able to make better conditions according to the season of the year and the material we have in stock.

Click on the image below to download the pdf version.

Here are some pictures of a tub installed in a private residence near Osaka.
It is actually a new building designed by Torrini.

Here is the powder room with tatami-like vynil tiles.

The bathroom has no-slip warm-touch gres tiles produced by INAX.

The ledge is in marble and the wall upper section is finished in hinoki wainscoting.

Perfect for contemplating the sea-view from the window!

This is a beautiful picture of a tub we made a couple of years ago.
The scenery from the window is breathtaking!
Also, the owner collected with patience and refined taste many other japanese items (we helped with supplying the lighting fixtures and door knobs) to create an authentic interior.

Dear friends concerned about the 3/11 quake in japan, let me share with you a webpage.
It is called　Northeastern Pacific Ocean Earthquake Reconstruction Project - Support page
But I especially like the section called Murmurs, messages, words. which is constantly updated on the top page.
It collects testimonies, messages of encouragements sent by tweeter or other instant messaging services. They are words of hope and heartwarming short poems, tiny but real gems in the mud of the tsunami.

here is the link: http://fukkououen.web.fc2.com/tweet_top.html

Let me translate a few:

People who lost everything not only need compassion. They need a reason to smile.

I will add some more later on.

We continue to receive many kind emails of condolence, empathy, encouragement.
Thank you for this heartful thoughts, the japanese need it.

We appreciate your concerns, but do not worry too much, the japanese will stand again.
There is a beatiful and simple okinawan song composed over the second world war and the heavy toll of civil lives. The title is HANA (flower). As it is stated in the refrain:
nakinasai warainasai itsu no hi ka itsu no hi ka hana wo sakasou yo.
Come on, Cry! Come on Laugh! One day, one day, let`s make the flowers bloom.
-Listen here-

Dear friends allover the world,

We appreciate all your kind mails and phone calls and feel sorry to make you worry.
Actually we are far from the areas of destruction and did not suffer any damage.
I am also astonished to look at the TV: they look like images from another country as there was no shake or tsunami in western japan.
Due to overloaded telephone lines I was able to contact our warehouse in Chiba only on sunday morning, 36 hours after the quake. The tremblor was strong but fortunately no damage to people and equipment.

Now the nuclear emergency is giving some serious concern.
I cannot be optimistic but there is no point in panicking and I am trying to collect unbiased data and act rationally. I am sharing some thoughts and founds on my facebook profile.

About the work, we are fully operational, all our material is safely stocked inside and we are at your disposal for any question. Actually, we try to keep busy to counteract the hypnotic effect of the round the clock TV news...!

Lastly, let me share with you the link to some donation sites.
These people lost family, property, work. At least let`s return them some hope.

We just received the beautiful pictures and kind comment of a client from the West Coast:

J.

To hear that the client is satisfied and enjoying the tub is is for us the most important thing and is the source of more energy and enthusiasm in continuing our mission of introducing the art of japanese soaking baths Worldwide!

Our friend`s ryokan in central Italy was featured on Vogue!
Omedetou!
Find the link here below to read the article.

http://www.vogue.it/en/magazine/books-and-travel/2011/01/a-ryokan-in-the-marche

Take a look at these works of art!
(click on each picture for an enlarged view.)
The "kumiko shoji" possess the geometric harmony of a moroccan lattice-work and the wit and non casual irregularities proper of the most refined japanese court culture.
Feel free to let us know your requirements (pattern, sizes) for your custom shoji!

We know that rather than the cold buttons of the mouse, you prefer the delicate touch of the cherry blossoms falling on your hair.
Anyway, if you are far from japan and missing its onsen, its cozy ryokan with mystical stone gardens shining with the moonlight, we hope you will enjoy this 3D walkthru simulation.
If you like it, write a comment!

Did you know you can order just a duckboard?

In this case, a friend architect ordered one for (I imagine) a very special bathroom. We had a detailed correspondence about using the planks long wise or width wise. We custom built the sleepers to adjust to the existing slope. The grating was divided in two pieces for easy maintenance. The client chose not to chamfer the corners of the planks for a sharper look. We adjusted the size a couple of times.
Every communication was done in a fast and accurate sequence of questions and answers, like in a ping pong game. Perfect.
Well, almost perfect...
The sunoko is now happily installed, I hear, but... we are having 2 practical problems. I am mentioning it here so it can be of reference for other cases.
We strive for perfection but sometimes problems happen all at the same time...
Please bear with us as we will do our best to assist you in any circumstance.

problem 1) One plank was damaged during the transportation with EMS!

solution 1) All the shipments are insured. If you already opened the box and used it for more than a week, there is nothing we can do from our side. You will have to file the claim to the post office, they will produce a damage report. Send it to us. We will file it to the japanese post office and obtain a refund. Meanwhile we will make a new sunoko section and ship it to you. Sorry for the trouble!

solution 2) No kidding! I confirm we use SUS1818 type stainelss nails.
As you can find on internet resources (wikipedia etc.), the only case that stainless steel produces rust is when it gets in touch with another ferroid material. The chrome coating anti-oxidation barrier of stainless steel is neutralized by the electrolitic effect of the two metals touching.

Cause:
a) It is possible that some metal dust from the hammer remained on the nail head
b) or maybe your water is very rich in iron

Solution:
Dip a moist, soft toothbrush in a box of baking soda. Or you can use a mild pickling gel. Rub back and forth gently on the stained area. Rinse abundantly.

This is for all of you who visited our warehouse (and for all of you who plan to visit...)
On 6/28 we are moving! The new warehouse/showroom will be operational from 7/1.

We are relocating closer to Chiba, within the Tokyo Central lumberyard - Chiba lumber center.
The address is: Yoshioka 496 Yotsukaidō City, Chiba Pref.
The closest station is Yotsukaido Sta. (on the JR Sobu line for Chiba)

We are actually very close to Narita Airport, you are welcome to drop by on your way back!

Our client kindly participated us these pictures.
Looking at the ofuro bath tub from the lavatory area:

Japanese and western. Just like the lucky owner of this sleek bathroom (a japanese-american couple), mixing it up makes life more interesting!

The tub is a large knotless hinoki with tob border frame.

Please enjoy the second video in my kabuki experiences series. This video is a short run through of where this wonderful opportunity has taken me.

For those of you with additional interests in Japan, we have prepared a short video of how I was invited to perform with a village kabuki group.
Kabuki is a stylized Japanese drama that includes dance, best recognized by the ghost-like white make-up that the actors apply. Click here to read more about Kabuki on wikipedia. Village Kabuki is a non-professional version of Kabuki that were and still are community events in the more rural parts of Japan.
I have been performing for 10 years now and it is wonderful to be part of a fading tradition in Japan. Please enjoy!

A great way to complement a hinoki bathtub is with wooden wainscoting.

There are two options to choose from. Narrow [top left] and wide [top right].

Here is another short VTR that Yoshiaki took in Kiso valley when visiting the ryokan of a friend.
The place is located in Nagano-ken, Kiso-gun.
The name of the ryokan is: NEZAME-SANSHI (=purple mountains). This is because the mountains surrounding Kiso in all directions turn to purple at sunset.

I hope you enjoy!

We prepared a short VTR about our japanese ofuro tubs.
How do you like it? We welcome your comments!

Our client decided on option B, the doors with a contemporary feel. Below are the products ready to be shipped.

Shoji doors are usually made with rice paper, however, rice paper is delicate and doesn't fair well in humid environments, like a bathroom. We recommend to replace the paper with a synthetic material that looks like paper call warlon. This fascinating material is used for many interior applications in Japan today. (Warlon website in Japanese only)

Above are the rails that are to be fitted above and below for the doors to slide.

And for the final touch wooden wainscot paneling, and Japan has been brought to your home!

We had a client who wanted a comprehensive Japanese look for his room. The image above was taken from the bedroom facing the bathroom and closet. Our client wanted to used traditional Japanese shoji doors to separate the spaces.

I sent my client the following two proposals:

Option A is classic Japanese but involves more pieces. This design includes a column and beam casing which separates the closet doors from the bathroom doors and the top storage from the full sized doors.

Option B is simple and more contemporary. There are no exposed columns so the doors look like parts of a whole and because there is no beam the ceiling will feel higher.

Options A and B can also be mixed and matched according to one's vision.

I opened a group on facebook with the title: "japanese bath lovers".

Of course I`d be glad if you join!
Feel free to share your photos and experiences about japan, japanese spas, and anything you feel appropriate!

here is the url: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=159922796737&ref=mf

Here are some pictures of a beautiful hinoki bathtub installed in Tokyo.
click on the pictures for an enlarged view!

Dear friend,

Did you contact us some time ago with reference to a quotation for a japanese tub?
Is your project still on track?

Or did you just knew about us and wish to have a quote?

We are at your disposability for any question/problem.

Also, note that if you confirm your order in september, we will be able to apply a 7% discount on the quote for what concerns hinoki products! (no discount on the transportation cost.)

There will be an extra 3% discount (10% total!) for the first 3 tubs ordered in september.
Updated 090909: sorry, the extra discount has been allocated...

This offer starts today aug/25 and expires sept/30/2009 at 18:00 JST.
Please note:
* This offer cannot be cumulated with other discounts.
* This offer is valid only for bank transfer payments (no credit cards or paypal)
* This is Bartok design`s first promotional sale.
* We do not have plans to make it a regular feature and in case it will be repeated it will not be before august 2010.
* These conditions include a governamental 5% tax facilitation.

Contact us for further details!

We received a mail from our previous hinoki-bath customer.
Now she wanted to complete her renovation with japanese style lighting fixtures.

The japanese maker of course cannot offer support or guarantee overseas and we had to ask our client to sign a liability release paper.

Since we are a japanese company we can purchase at 50% off listed prices and transfer this advantage to our clients. Sales conditions vary case by case according to the quantity, makers and products.

Some items are order made and may require one month or more for production. Feel free to contact us for any question.

Here are some photos that do not need many comments...
It is the simple and happy story of a japanese tub in search for a new home (and caring family)

First the arrival in front of a renovated ancient barn...how charming!

Then the installation in its pit (will it really fit? - this was one of the client main concerns.)
While waiting for the tap (not rady yet) the tub is left with few centimeters of water on the bottom to avoid any possible dryness damage. ...(and to enjoy even more the asnaro wood scent!)

   

More and more often, we receive additional requests from previous customers.
Apparently japanese natural items are addictive and once people open their eyes to this new reality, they decided they want to be surrounded by a complete japanese style interior.

Of course we can produce shoji and solid doors. We can build custom furniture, supply planks for wall application (wainscoting) or floor finish.

Additionally, we know dozens of craftsmen with whom we work together on a daily bases on construction projects. For this reason, we can supply tatami-mats, fabrics, gutters, and even lighting fixtures. If you are looking for some japanese products feel free to ask us.
If we can supply what you are looking for, we will prepare a quotation. Our sales margin ranges from 15% to 20% but as it is applied on wholesale prices from trusted suppliers, so you will find the prices very reasonable.

Here above is a large shipment we coordinated for a client in Italy.
It includes custom sized tatami mats, futon, shoji doors with their rails and a beutiful rainchain in copper.

We received the request from a previous customer of custom bath accessories to match an asnaro tub.

We received precise information and could elaborate it to include traditional japanese construction details.
The small parts in the picture are door pulls and robe hooks.

This is a very nice cut of Asnaro wood. It has a large section and could be used for carving a Buddha statue or some aulic application which require the best wood.

We are building a tub for a customer in Belgium and hope he will appreciate some extra service...

By popular demand...
Finally....

We are now able to accept payments by Credit Card via PayPal.

Feel free to ask us for more details.

New customs rules for imports into California, put restrictions on materials containing formalin also with reference to the packaging.
As plywood (which contains adhesives) cannot be used, we built a solid wood crate.
This is the second going to California this year.

It looks like the box itself can be used to make some furniture or millwork...

Thanks to all hinoki lovers, our sales of japanese tubs in 2008 increased by almost 50% compared to the previous terms.
We decided it is time to create an indipendent company (separated from my business as an architect) to handle the design, manufacture and sales of wooden products.
One of the merits is that this will allow us a japanese sales tax saving of about 2.5% which will benefit our clients.

The new company, BARTOK DESIGN JAPAN Co. will deal exclusively in wooden products exports. Address and contact numbers remain without variation.
Our new primary bank account is at MINATO BANK, we also have another account at TOKYO MITSUBISHI UFJ BANKING CORP.
Do not hesitate to contact us for any additional information.

Here is a load of fine hinoki "masakiban" from the Kiso Valley. Taking advantage of the poor economic conjuncture, we could obtain a good price for excellent material.
We will be glad to turn this advantage to our clients!

Actually in the recent months, asnaro wood is becoming more difficult to find.
Everibody noticed the beautiful and reasonably priced asnaro and the competition for the best logs is increasing.
Also for this reason we recommend hinoki if you plan to buy a wooden tub in 2009.

Here we are!
Our carpenter worked thru the weekend and the tub is almost complete.
You can see the finished product in the "gallery" pages.
We used a thick wall construction to keep the design of the tub as simple as possible, without using a top border nor skirted joints.

The tub walls are now getting ready.
This is the preparation phase which requires most of the time.
All wood is cut and planed by hand.

We started the construction of a nice sloped edge tub.
In this case we will document the construction process.

Watch out for updates!

Here is another phase of the bathtub construction.
The short and long sides are being laminated.

Next, we will prepare the bottom plank and proceed to assemble it together.

Otanoshimi ni mattete kudasai ne!

We moved this website on a faster server for your convenience. Anyway, due to this reason this homepage and email experienced some down time in the period 1/28 ~ 2/5.
We sincerely apologise for the unconvenience. If you contacted us by mail or by our request form, chances are that we did not receive your kind request.

In these pictures it is easy to understand how the side walls of a hinoki tub are laminated.

First the material is assorted so that knots or other imperfections get discarded and of course, so that the total width of the planks is equal on the four sides of the tub. This is also a way to optimize the use of the material and avoid loss.

The wood is hand sawn by overlapping 2 planks so that with one single cut two perfecly matching planks are cut.

These are some pictures kindly participated by a client and friend who owns a large knotty hinoki tub. He refurbished a country house in central Italy and is the lucky owner of this unique bath house...

how can I properly comment these pictures?
I come up with this haiku (short japanese poem):

samu fuyu ni / kokoro atameru / kimi no aijo

in the cold winter / warming up my heart / your friendship

What am I doing here!?

Actually, today we showed our material and products to a perspective customer from Germany who is visiting Japan.

It is always a pleasure to have a tea together and exchange thoughts with fellow westerners who share with us passion for japan and fine hand crafts.

We looked at the plans and after some talking, we felt it might be easier just to try one tub, as you would do with a pair of boots. We had an "outlet" tub and the client could enter and get a more direct idea of the size and of the feeling of the tub.
Even a smaller tub seems spacious and comfortable when you try it. No big surprise, the sizes we were recommending actually did fit perfect, anyway after trying the tub the client could feel reassured and move forward without worry.
If you visit Japan, drop by for a tub fitting (if you let us the time we can pick you up at JR Maihama station).

Well, we wanted to show you how it works so I found the good excuse to enter the tub myself...

These large round tubs were made for a hot spring luxury hotel near Mt. Fuji.
They are so beautiful to look at that I could stay here staring for hours...
Can you imagine how would it be to take a hot bath inside?

Just for your information, round tubs of this size go for 16,000 + per piece, without transportation cost...
On the other end, how much is our physical and mental health worth?
We do not have statistical data but it is known that a relaxing bath a day improves almost all body functions and extend life-span. Additionally it is also believed to improve relations and productivity.

This may be the reasons that made a client comment "In this time of financial uncertainty, a japanese tub is actually the best investment I made. Under all points of view."

Of course all our tubs are natural: we only use wood and do not treat it with any chemical or coating agent. How can you make a tub which is more natural than a wood tub?
Actually we do use some bond inside the joints of our tubs. We prefer epoxy bond instead of urea based products because it is long lasting and safe for the health.

Anyway this time we received an interesting challenge.
We were required to build a 100% natural tub (actually 2 tubs), without the use of any synthetic material. We had to resort to the knowledge and wisdom of our carpenter`s father who dedicated great passion and almost 3 weeks of work for this project. It was really a great chance for passing down the ancient tecnique (and art) to the younger generations. It was more than 50 years since he last used the this construction method!
Read some more details in the next entry.

Here is how we are building the 100% natural tub in the traditional way.
The shape most suitable is the "TARU" which is assembled like a barrell with vertical planks of hinoki. The water pressure distributes uniformly on the perimeter and is collected by the stainless steel bands hammered from the bottom up.

The hinoki planks are cut with variable angles so to match eachother seamlessly. Between these we used a natural bond made of rice starch called "SOKOI". This is 100% natural and does not contain anything but rice and water!

These pictures seem to have been taken from Kyoto or Nara...

(It is actually from a rural stone-masonry lovely house in the beautiful Appennine mountains.) I will skip any comment, it would fade anyway in the emotions that come out from the images...

Let me report the wise comment of our client (and friend):
"I am confirmed in the belief that Japanese were thousands of years ahead of us westerners: in the age when we were using perfumes to hide our odors and (in the rare occasions we were washing), we were using underwears and busts to hide our body, japanese were...

...bathing.

Naked. Alone or in good company. Clean in the mind and in the body."

Also in this case, I cannot but agree...!

Here it is, our tub installed in a landmark attic in the bellybottom of Paris.
The creative decoration of the bathroom with a revisitation of the stone garden theme show how a natural wooden bath can go well both in traditional or contemporary settings.

The floor in iron-wood wraps up to finish the ledge of the tub which is built-in type.
In the large bath area there is also a shower-box and extra long vanity counter.
It looks like I could spend hours in this oasis before ever thinking of getting back to the outside world...

Interior design and realization by:
Espaces Parisiens Planning
37, rue Galilee
75116 Paris - France
tel. 01 40 70 08 47

We always receive the same question:
Q. How should I maintain/clean the tub?

The answer is always:
1.Ensure good ventilation in the bathrom.
2.You may wipe the tub dry after use if you want.
3.Never use soap or detergent to clean the tub.
4. Do nothing, just enjoy the tub.

5. If you find some stains you may remove them with alcohol or other stain remover - only applied on the spot - rub gently and rinse thoroughly.

The tub needs love and care more than maintenance.
If you use it often (preferably daily), keep an eye on the hygrometer and take care of small stains as soon as you spot them, you tub will have a long and happy life.

Anyway, our clients feel this is not enough. They want to do something. They want to be proactive and show concretely their affection for the tub.

Over the years we tried vegetable base detergents, non-oil oils and ecologic cleaners.
They were sticky or just meaningless and we continued to recommend just - pure love - to take care of the tub.

But yes, we finally found a product we can recommend for cleaning and rehidratating the wood. It is an oil base product from the same line as the ones used for aromatherapy.

See our product page for specific information and use instructions.

Japanese people do not use hiba oil for clenaning wooden bathtubs but it has amazing applications in our everyday life. Here below are some detailed information about Hiba oil:

FIELDS OF USE

1. MEDICAL:
Hiba oil is used to prevent nosocomial infections, especially those caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
It is also used to treat eczema (atopic dermatitis).

2. SANITARY:
Hiba oil is used　together with Squalane (a natural moisturizing factor) in soap and shampoos particularly indicated for delicate skins.
Hiba water (a byproduct of the distillation of hiba oil) is used as a fragrance in bathing salts.

3. AGRICULTURE:
Hiba oil is used to prevent plant diseases originated by mold (wood moulder disease, root rot disease etc.).
In apiculture is used with good reasult to prevent and fight chalk disease (Ascospharera apis)

4.FOOD PRESERVATION:
Hiba oil is used for conservation of fresh (not frozen) melon, strawberry, mushrooms.
It is also used as a natural flavouring agent for candies and other foods.

PROPERTIES

1. BACTERICIDAL:
It prevents conditions for the development of mold and fungi.
Hiba oil has a wide spectrum of action against many different families of bacteria and is especially effective to fight antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

2. MIND STABILITY:
Hiba oil has a proven relaxative qualities. Stress relief has been laboratory tested on Guinea pigs.

3. INSECTICIDE:
Hiba oil has an insecticidal action against thermites and cockroaches. It is also used as an insect repellent against fleas and mites.

4. DEODORANT:
Hiba oil smoothes strong smells.
It is specially effective against smells originated by body activity (ammonia, aminoacid base).

We were requested to supply hinoki timber (rough saw cut) to be used by the local joinery to build doors and furniture. At first we offered a quote in cultivated hinoki from Yoshino (Nara Prefecture).
But - HEY! - the client required all the wood to be quarter sawn to match the coordinated bathtub color and grain.

We checked our stock and asked all our dealers and acquaintances but it is difficult to obtain such quantity of natural timber of such quality and knotless on 4 sides...!

Our client was so kind to send us the photo of installed asnaro bathtub so we are glad to publish it here!
The asnaro wood paneling creates a warm atmosphere, a kind of "other world", a natural corner.

I am sure here you can forget the cold of central european winters and re-energize body and mind...

I think the local contractor made a great job and the spout was partially recessed inside the wall as planned. Afterall no matter how our cultures may be different, working with wood and loving wood is definately a common heritage.

The tub has been mounted, around is a wide hinoki duckboard.
The stone floor, the ceiling beams...
I can see everywhere passionate details and feel a magic atmosphere...
I am really overwhelmed by the emotions looking at these pictures.
It is central Italy but really feels like Edo period Japan. This is not just because the materials are original, but because the spirit, the concept of the project is authentic.

In the end, when man respects nature and put care and love in his acts, even different cultures touch and become one. I am sure that people entering in this ofuro will understand something more of the real essence of humanity.

These are pictures kindly provided by the client.
A rural house in central Italy has been remodeled into a japanese culture center.
Watch up for more details at this link:
http://www.wabisabiculture.org/

The heavy tub is being unloaded on site.

Here we are packaging a tub to be shipped by ocean freight.

* One layer of polyethylene sheet to prevent dehidratation and dirt.
* Solid veneer construction for the custom crate to avoid the need for fumigation or (time consuming) custom inspections/quarantine.

Luckily we did not have any problem or damage claim at all so far.

The tub going to paris is ready to be packaged and shipped.
It is a really nice tub, I am almost sorry to see it go...

We are now working on a large asnaro tub with a 260mm wide border!
Commonly, large top frame borders like in your case are done laminaing 2
planks, anyway we had a beautiful piece of asnaro in the warehouse, so the frame will be done
in one piece!

It was probably ment to be a cut for a beam or daikoku-bashira (main column) but at present there are not many chances to use expensive wood even for temples or shrines...

The lumber was 360x360 straight cut! This means that the 1/3 central segment of the tree was almost half meter square at the base. The tree had probably a diameter of 1200 to 1500mm !!
We could get our kamachi in one piece and also most of the planks for the sides from the same piece. This means the tub is going to be all straight cut!

PS:
Please do not ask us to provide such lumber for your project. This stroke of luck does not happen more than once a year...

It is amazing how much lumber you need to build a wooden tub!

hajimemasite - nice to meet you.

It was a long time we wanted to start this blog but always had other priorities for the day...
Anyway, in these pages we would like to convey you the passion of our craftsmen, the warmth of the wood. We enjoy our work and are starting to feel a little guilty if we keep all this for ourselves... So find here some pictures and some comments (when we have the time to post).

For all who do not know, "daiku" is the carpenter, the meister in wood-working.
This blog is not a sophisticated one, you will find here sawdust, sweat and all our smiles!

Note that this is a rare photo I managed to take with Mr. Ikeda and Mr. Kondo.
They are always busy and never stop. When we get a chance to sit down, we chat drinking tea, so I never manage to take an official photo of us to put in the company profile...