Endate Woodworking Studio
A workshop home to skilled kijishi with exceptional knowledge of wood
Endate Woodworking Studio
Outstanding woodworking fostered among
the magnificent nature of Bihoro, Hokkaido
Endate Woodworking Studio is an artisan workshop in Bihoro Town. The town is known for its rich nature and is also home to Bihoro Pass, which offers panoramic views of the largest caldera lake in Japan, Lake Kussharo. We have been producing tea cannisters and a range of other wooden items in this area for half a century.
From the carving of the basic form using a lathe to the application of the final coating, three highly-skilled kijishi, or master woodworkers, come together to create each piece from Hokkaido-grown wood. Producing a tea cannister with a lid and body that match perfectly to form an airtight seal is the mark of a truly skilled kijishi.
From the carving of the basic form using a lathe to the application of the final coating, three highly-skilled kijishi, or master woodworkers, come together to create each piece from Hokkaido-grown wood. Producing a tea cannister with a lid and body that match perfectly to form an airtight seal is the mark of a truly skilled kijishi.
Made from Hokkaido-grown Japanese pagoda trees,
the ideal material for tableware
Every item we produce is made using Japanese pagoda trees grown in the extreme cold of Hokkaido. In Japan, these trees are said to be a sign of good fortune.
The wood is free from strong odors and is sturdy due to the density of the tree rings, making it ideal for tea cannisters and other tableware that come into contact with food and drink. After being dried outdoors for several years, the wood is left to dry naturally once again after the product is given its initial shape. This is repeated once more between making the finishing touches and applying the final coat. Performing drying and adjustment between each stage of the process creates a firm, airtight seal and ensures the consistency that is a hallmark of our work.
The wood is free from strong odors and is sturdy due to the density of the tree rings, making it ideal for tea cannisters and other tableware that come into contact with food and drink. After being dried outdoors for several years, the wood is left to dry naturally once again after the product is given its initial shape. This is repeated once more between making the finishing touches and applying the final coat. Performing drying and adjustment between each stage of the process creates a firm, airtight seal and ensures the consistency that is a hallmark of our work.
From classic tableware to a series of brand new designs
The wooden items we produce include tea canisters, incense burners and tableware such as bowls and cups. Our resident kijishi harness their skills to produce various products for enjoying coffee, ranging from measuring spoons to cannisters, under our original brand KiN. We have also created a new brand, en-date, which features collaborations with artists from other fields. This collection includes a beer glass that expresses the natural phenomenon of winter in Hokkaido, produced together with a glassmaker from Abashiri, Hokkaido. We hope that you enjoy exploring our range of creations.