Kiyotaka Tanaka's work blends two traditional woodworking techniques: sashimono (joinery, additive) and kurimono (carving, subtractive). These methods require distinct skills and yield different expressions of wood grain. Typically, woodworks are finished with a wiping urushi (sometimes oil instead), highlighting the wood's grain and color. Building upon this standard process, he employs vibrant colored urushi, reinforce the structure with fabric overlays, sprinkle dry urushi powder, and apply ground powder (calcined diatomaceous earth). Additionally, he incorporates techniques like raden (mother-of-pearl inlay) and maki-e (gold or silver powder decoration) to complete the pieces. Tanaka emphasizes balance―honoring both wood grain and design. His philosophy centers on simplicity, universality, and originality, with Urushi art as a unique signature. Having initially studied urushi art techniques―a rare skill among woodworkers―this has become a distinctive feature and strength of his work. Building upon this foundation, he also values adding a touch of playfulness to his creations. He also thinks each piece is meant to be timeless, regionless, and approachable for anyone in the world. Urushi x Wood Art includes a furniture series such as chairs, a frame series, and an accessory series (*). *Currently, Japanmania website does not carry the accessory series.
