Japantastics, Inc.
Keyaki Temple Offering Box
Delivery: 4 months
Refund Policy: https://japantastics.jp/policies/refund-policy
All prices include international delivery, duties, and taxes, fully arranged on your behalf.
All orders are shipped internationally via Nippon Express, with delivery fully managed from Japan to your residence and tracked throughout.
The Dignified Presence of Keyaki — A Temple Fixture Shaped by Time
Born from a carefully selected single slab of solid keyaki (Japanese zelkova), this work possesses an extraordinary sense of presence. Every stage of its creation—from the selection of materials to the final detailing—has been executed entirely to custom specifications with exceptional care and precision.
The powerful yet refined grain unique to keyaki harmonizes beautifully with the solemn atmosphere of temple architecture. At the joints, the traditional Japanese joinery technique known as arigumi has been employed, achieving both structural strength and aesthetic purity without the use of nails. The boldly carved inscription “Jōzai” on the front, together with the elegantly curved leg structure, introduces a sophisticated refinement within the work’s commanding mass.
Through the use of robust zelkova timber and the mastery of traditional joinery, the piece has been constructed to endure even demanding outdoor environments over many years. As time passes, the surface of the wood will continue to deepen in character and richness, further enhancing the singular beauty of the work.
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Finish: The natural wood surface is left uncoated initially; the fuki-urushi (wiped lacquer) finish is then applied gradually over a period of approximately two months.
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Materials & Production: Crafted from keyaki timber that must be seasoned for more than ten years after being cut and milled from the original log before it can be used in production.
Dimensions
- Width: 1500 mm
- Height: 600 mm
- Depth: 500 mm
- Weight: 50 kg
Artist’s Profile
Master Artisan of Contemporary Japanese Furniture
Third-Generation Head of Sato Mokko
Born into the distinguished Sato Mokko workshop—founded in 1934 in Tsuru City, Yamanashi Prefecture—Keiichiro Sato is the third-generation heir to a lineage long revered for exceptional craftsmanship. Once known locally by the saying, “For bridal furnishings, go to Sato Mokko,” the atelier built its reputation through refined heirloom furniture and traditional architectural woodwork.
From an early age, Sato absorbed the discipline of master craftsmanship under the guidance of his grandfather, Zenjuro. He inherited techniques rooted in shrine and temple architecture, including intricate kumiko latticework, complex structural joinery, and precision cabinetry—foundations that would later define his artistic language.
At seventeen, he encountered a defining turning point when the family business faced severe financial hardship under the second generation. Taking on responsibility at a young age, Sato sustained traditional commissions while simultaneously pursuing an independent vision—one that would unite heritage craftsmanship with contemporary form.
Guided by the belief that true craftsmanship is timeless, Sato established his signature genre of Creative Japanese Furniture: works that combine rare solid Japanese zelkova, authentic urushi lacquer, gold leaf, and centuries-old techniques with a bold contemporary sensibility. His creations transcend conventional furniture, emerging instead as collectible works of functional art that embody the Japanese ideal of beauty through utility.
In recent years, his work has received recognition both in Japan and internationally. Exhibitions include the Paris International Salon (recommended invitation), the Cartago Museum in Costa Rica (presented at the request of Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs), exhibitions in Dalian, China, and selection for the Japan–France Contemporary Art World Exhibition for his work TAMATEBAKO. His works have also been presented at The National Art Center, Tokyo, alongside numerous museum exhibitions, solo shows, and publications.
In 2023, a devastating fire destroyed his factory, showroom, tools, and materials accumulated over decades. Yet within only seven months, Sato resumed production—an act that reflects the resilience and uncompromising spirit that define master artisanship.
Today, Keiichiro Sato continues to shape wood in pursuit of works intended to endure not merely for a lifetime, but for generations—objects of substance, beauty, and permanence, created with a view toward the centuries ahead.
