村井正孝
むらい まさたか
Paulownia chest of drawers
The technique involves peeling 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
The third-generation paulownia chest craftsman, continuing the family tradition since his grandfather’s time. Since elementary school, he performed preparatory tasks like drying and stacking boards. After graduating from university, he formally apprenticed under his father, Shozo, honing his skills through training and learning from senior apprentices. He succeeded the family business in 1990.He repairs aged paulownia chests and, in some cases, other wooden furniture.
Currently, he and his younger brother, Yasuo (a ward-registered holder of intangible cultural heritage), carry on the paulownia chest-making tradition passed down from their grandfather, Shoichi, and father, Shozo. Masataka handles the woodwork, including sourcing and assembly, while Yasuo handles the finishing touches, such as coloring and attaching metal fittings. They collaborate to create the paulownia chests.
Achievements
- Designated as an Arakawa Ward Registered Intangible Cultural Property Holder for Fiscal Year 2009
- 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