Sato Mokko: Vermilion Lacquer Tamatebako Octagon Sofa Table

Vermilion Lacquer Tamatebako Octagonal Sofa Table

Delivery: 7 months

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All orders are shipped internationally via Nippon Express, with delivery fully managed from Japan to your residence and tracked throughout.

A Contemporary Expression of Japanese Architectural Craft

Japanese temple and shrine architecture has long embodied spiritual beauty and enduring cultural values. Inspired by the ancient craftsmanship that sustained these structures, this octagonal lacquer table reinterprets that legacy within a modern living space.

Finished in deep vermilion urushi lacquer, the surface reveals a mirror-like depth—absorbing and reflecting light to create a quiet, contemplative atmosphere. The richness of the vermilion is not merely visual; it carries a sense of stillness and permanence, a hallmark of traditional Japanese aesthetics.

Architectural Form

The structure draws from the disciplined geometry and joinery of sacred architecture. Constructed using traditional techniques that unite wood without nails, the table achieves both structural integrity and sculptural elegance. The octagonal form, long associated with harmony and expanding fortune, lends the piece symbolic presence as well as visual balance.

Material and Finish

Multiple layers of authentic urushi lacquer are applied and hand-polished to achieve a profound, almost liquid gloss. Subtle gold leaf accents along the edges catch the light softly, enhancing the depth of the vermilion surface without disturbing its restraint.

Tamatebako as Centerpiece

At the heart of the table rests a Tamatebako, inspired by Japanese legend. More than a decorative element, it serves as a symbolic vessel—an object that quietly suggests the preservation of memory and meaning. It also functions practically, offering discreet storage while acting as a focal point within the composition.

Presence

In natural daylight, the table appears serene and composed; under evening light, it reveals a deeper, more mysterious character. This shifting expression gives the piece a living quality—an object that responds to its environment over time.

Created by a master artisan rooted in the tradition of shrine and temple carpentry, this work stands not simply as furniture, but as a collectible work of functional art, intended to endure across generations.

Vermilion Lacquer

The vermilion lacquer finish brings a vivid yet refined sense of ceremony to the table. Rich in cultural resonance, the color recalls the gates of shrines, traditional lacquerware, and the auspicious beauty of Japanese decorative arts. Its brilliance is not merely ornamental; it gives the piece warmth, vitality, and a commanding visual presence.

Main Body

Diameter: 1230 mm

Height: 590 mm

Weight: 35 kg

Material: Glulam

Finish: authentic urushi lacquer, gold leaf

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.