Fukurou no Mori - Kotake Takashi Bogwood Craft Art Museum

Sendai bogwood comes from ancient trees, such as zelkova, pine, Japanese cedar, and katsura, which were buried underground approximately 5 million years ago and have since become fossilized through carbonization. This unique craft material, which is no longer mined, was unearthed from lignite layers in regions like Aobayama and Yagiyama in Sendai. There are various theories about the craft’s origin, but it is widely accepted that it began in 1822 when Shukichi Yamashita, a lower-ranking samurai of the Date clan, discovered bogwood in Tatsunokuchi Valley while on castle guard duty and crafted a kaishiki (a dish for serving food). Subsequently, it became a popular sideline for foot soldiers at Kawauchi Yamayashiki. The number of craftsmen increased as the excavation of bogwood, a by-product of lignite mining for household fuel, became more prevalent from the late Meiji period to the Taisho period. However, with kerosene replacing lignite as a household fuel in the late 1950s, the mining of lignite and thus the availability of bogwood declined. Currently, the only remaining materials are those stored several decades ago by the last bogwood craft artisan, Takashi Kotake, now housed in our museum.

01.Wood Cutting

The basic shape of the piece is carved out with a hatchet.
02.Carving

With a technique known as kurimono, chisels are used to finish the work in various shapes. This process aims to preserve the bogwood’s natural texture, known as ga.
03.Polishing

The surface of the piece is repeatedly water-polished with sandpaper to make it smooth. (Historically, water polishing was performed using horsetail or muku tree leaves.)
04.Lacquer Finishing

With a technique known as fuki-urushi, lacquer is directly rubbed into the wood with a cloth and the lacquer dries. This procedure is repeated several times. (Originally, the craft did not include a lacquer coating, but the adoption of lacquer increased the durability of the work, thus allowing the craft to establish itself as a viable industry.)

Takashi Kotake
Brief Biography

１９４４

Born in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture.
１９５９

(Age 15) Inherited the family business of Sendai’s traditional craft, umoregi zaiku (bogwood craft).
(Around this time, he aspired to become a manga artist, working during the day and studying manga through correspondence courses at night, but at around 18, he focused solely on his main profession.)
１９６８

(Age 24) Awarded the Arts Festival Prize at the Miyagi Prefecture Arts Festival Crafts Art Exhibition.
１９７８

(Age 34) Awarded the Miyagi Prefecture Governor’s Prize at the Miyagi Prefecture Arts Festival Crafts Art Exhibition.
Selected for the Japan Traditional Craft Exhibition.
１９７９

(Age 35) Received the Encouragement Prize at the Japan Crafts Association East Japan Branch Traditional Craft New Works Exhibition.
１９８２

Bogwood Craft was recognized as a traditional craft designated by the Governor of Miyagi Prefecture.
１９８４

(Age 40) Awarded the Japan Crafts Association East Japan Branch Prize at the 24th Traditional Craft New Works Exhibition
Awarded the Excellence Prize at the Japan Crafts Association East Japan Branch Traditional Craft New Works Exhibition.
１９８６

(Age 42) Received the Miyagi Prefecture Art Encouragement Prize.
１９９１

(Age 47) Named “Miyagi’s Master Craftsman” for exceptional skills.
２００１

(Age 57) Won the Japan Crafts Association Encouragement Prize at the 48th Japan Traditional Craft Exhibition.
His work was acquired by the Agency for Cultural Affairs.
Selected for numerous other exhibitions.
２０１２

(Age 68) Took on an apprentice for a year and a half with the support of Sendai City Government.
２０２２

(Age 78) Took on a new apprentice.
２０２４

Sold his workshop and residence to Meyko Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., which opened it as a museum. Became the honorary director of the museum (ongoing).

Thank you very much for visiting our museum today. Bogwood craft is a traditional craft of Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, made from wood unearthed from the ground after about 5 million years. This unique and rare craft material, brimming with romantic allure, has been compressed underground, resulting in beautiful grain patterns, a stone-like weight, and a cool soothing tactile sensation. From the Edo period through to the Meiji and Taisho periods, many craftsmen used this material to primarily produce everyday items like tea saucers and dishes.
Our museum exhibits the works of Takashi Kotake, the last craftsman bogwood craftsman. He has surpassed the skills of previous craftsmen, elevating bogwood craft to the realm of art with his exceptional technique and artistic talent, rightfully earning the title of a “miraculous artisan.”
Our museum was established to prevent his works from being scattered nationwide and to allow a wider audience to appreciate them. Please enjoy the bogwood craft that has reached the level of fine art at our museum.
Finally, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has assisted us in the lead-up to the opening.

Director of Fukurou no Mori – Kotake Takashi Bogwood Craft Art Museum　

Bogwood craft, a traditional craft of Sendai, is fashioned from ancient timber known as umoregi, or bogwood, which is local to the area.

Process

01.Wood Cutting

02.Carving

03.Polishing

04.Lacquer Finishing

Takashi Kotake
Brief Biography

Guide