About the exhibitor
Mr. Akihiko Maeda of Maeda Woodworks became a danjiri craftsman because of his love of festivals and wooden danjiri carvings. He became an independent woodcarver in 2008 after 10 years of training and dedicated himself to creating wood carvings and promoting the beauty of exquisite wood carvings.
Mr. Maeda is based in Osaka Tenmangu-mae building a network with those who wish to protect traditional crafts. He has pioneered new styles and uses for wood carving.
Mr. Maeda’s company motto is: "The possibilities of wood carving are endless." In that spirit, he is seeking out new opportunities in both Europe and the U.S. to expand the possibilities for wood carving.
About the products
Mr. Maeda, a woodcarving professional known for his exquisite carvings — portable shrines, danjiri, yagura, and taikodai — for Japanese festivals has created a line of everyday household goods.
Traditional wooden containers for sake called masu and carved wooden plates with vivid colors will be exhibited and sold. Dutch designer Carol Baijings designed these plates and produced them in collaboration with craftsmen specializing in gold leaf, lacquerware, and Buddhist altars.
The traditional techniques and the grain of these wooden products add color and texture to daily life.
All photos ©Maeda Woodworks
Tools for carving
Masu
Sushi Samurai