Wooden Carved Pot Rest: Mebae

Located in Nibutani, Hokkaido, Ramgu specialises in creating everyday tools from native katsura (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) wood, adorned with intricate designs that have been handed down through generations within the Ainu community.

The design of this pot rest is inspired by an ancient Ainu tool known as nuitosayep, originally a thread spool, which has been reimagined to take on the form of a trivet. Its cross-like shape makes the tool easy to handle, and it can be used for both decorative and practical purposes, such as a rest for coffee and teapots.

Each pot rest is finished by a young apprentice craftsperson, utilising techniques handed down through generations.

Nibutani is located at the western edge of Hokkaido’s Hidaka region, surrounded by rich nature, and is known as an area where Ainu culture is strongly preserved.

If the product becomes dry, please apply a drying oil like linseed oil periodically. When using olive oil or similar oils, it can tend to become sticky, so please apply a small amount and thoroughly wipe it off before use.

Size: Length 12cm x Width 12cm x Thickness 1.4cm

Kansai

The Kansai region includes the second-most populated metropolitan area in Japan with its largest city Osaka. Kyoto and Nara, two of Japan’s former capital cities, are home to important temples and shrines and strongholds of intangible cultural heritage, such as the Kyoto textile weaving skills of Nishijin.