ABOUT THE MAKER
Gato Mikio Shoten | 我戸幹男商店 | Yamanaka Onsen, Ishikawa Prefecture
Founded in 1908 in the famed wood-turning town of Yamanaka Onsen, Gato Mikio Shoten (我戸幹男商店直営店) has been making handcrafted Japanese lacquerware rooted in centuries-old techniques. The workshop evolved from a family woodworking factory into a lacquerware studio that highlights the natural beauty of woodgrain and meticulous craftsmanship.
Each piece - from tea caddies and cups to trays and bowls is shaped by skilled artisans using traditional kijibiki (woodturning) and fuki-urushi (wiped lacquer) techniques that maintain the clarity of the wood’s surface rather than covering it.
Over the years, Gato Mikio has fused tradition with refined contemporary design, collaborating with modern designers and earning recognition such as the 2012 German Design Award for its Karmi tea canister series.
Their work reflects a commitment to longevity, simplicity, and the inherent warmth of natural materials, creating objects that are both beautiful and functional in everyday life.
