Among the many artisans spoken of by Akito Akagi, one stands out: the bowl woodturner Mitsuo Ikeshita.
Following the Noto Peninsula Earthquake that struck on New Year’s Day 2024, Mr. Ikeshita—then the oldest active kijishi (wood lathe master) in Wajima at the age of 86—passed away just half a year later. For 17 years, he had dedicated himself to turning wood for Akagi’s lacquerware.

This round tray, modeled after one from Korea’s Joseon Dynasty, is one of the final pieces Ikeshita completed before his death.
Adapted with a slightly lower profile to suit contemporary use on modern tables, the tray reflects the quiet elegance of its origin. The central hollow bears traces of the old lathe technique: a carved recess where a protrusion used to mount the raw material onto the woodturning lathe was later shaved away. This detail, far from being ostentatious, becomes a subtle element of design—an homage to traditional methods.

We hope that you will feel, in your daily life, the presence of this now-absent master through the imprint of his hands.

Woodturning: Mitsuo Ikeshita
 Lacquer: Akito Akagi
Diameter: approx. 41 cm

Please note: Each piece is handmade using natural wood. As such, the grain and markings will vary from one tray to another. We hope you will embrace these unique differences as part of the vessel’s individual character.