村井 泰雄
むらい やすお
Paulownia chest of drawers
The technique involves stripping and joining paulownia wood to create straight-grained boards, then assembling them using tenons and mortises with wooden pegs. It is said to have specialized from joinery around the mid-18th century. Paulownia wood is highly hygroscopic, fire-resistant, and breathable, making it ideal for storage furniture. Tokyo’s technique is characterized by the use of frame doors, crafted to showcase the wood’s beautiful grain.About the Craftsman
After graduating from university, Mr. Murai began his apprenticeship, learning finishing techniques under craftsman Masao Iijima, who was then responsible for finishing at the family’s chest-making shop.Together with his older brother, Masataka (a holder of the ward’s Intangible Cultural Property designation), he continues the paulownia chest-making tradition passed down from their grandfather, Shoichi, and father, Shozo. Masataka handles the woodwork, including sourcing and assembly, while his younger brother, Yasuo, handles the finishing work, such as coloring and attaching metal fittings. They collaborate to create the paulownia chests.
Initially focused on repairing paulownia chests, he began working on finishing tasks like coloring in his thirties. He personally mixes the finishing colors for the chest surfaces. For coloring, he uses a mixture of Yamato liquid, Yashya liquid, and grinding powder to achieve the desired hues.
Achievements
- Designated as an Arakawa Ward Registered Intangible Cultural Property Holder for Fiscal Year 2014
- Designated as an Intangible Cultural Property Holder of Arakawa Ward for Fiscal Year 2022
Contact Us
- Location: 1-17-15 Machiya, Arakawa Ward
- Hours: 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM (Closed Saturdays and Sundays)
- Phone: 03-3892-0597
- Fax: 03-3895-3698
