What Is Hikimono? Exploring Japan’s Traditional Woodturning Craft
Beautiful and Functional Wooden Art for the World
Japan is home to countless traditional crafts, many of which have been refined over centuries. Among them is hikimono (woodturning), a woodworking technique that involves spinning a piece of wood and carving it into shape. The process produces beautiful and practical objects such as bowls, trays, cups, and even furniture legs. These items, often circular or cylindrical in form, are admired both for their everyday usability and for their artistic value, gaining attention both in Japan and abroad.
This article introduces the world of hikimono—from the basics and tools involved, to how it's made, where it's produced, and how it's used in modern interiors. Whether you're new to traditional Japanese crafts or simply curious, you'll find everything explained in a clear and accessible way.
What Is Hikimono? — A Craft of Shaping Wood Through Spinning
Hikimono is a traditional Japanese technique that involves rotating a block of wood on a lathe and carefully shaving it with chisels. The word “hiki” (to pull) refers to the motion of pulling the tool toward oneself while carving the spinning wood. This results in smooth, symmetrical shapes that feel well-balanced and pleasant to hold.
Unlike pottery—which also uses a spinning technique—hikimono uses wood as its material. This gives the finished product a warm, organic appearance with unique grain patterns, natural strength, and lightness. Over time, the surface develops character through use, making each item increasingly beautiful as it ages.
A Craft Rooted in History
The origins of hikimono date back as far as the Nara period (8th century). Techniques similar to woodturning can be seen in surviving artefacts, such as wooden items stored at Hōryū-ji Temple and ancient lacquerware. These objects were once used in temples and samurai households.
In the medieval era, hikimono developed further as a way of producing items for religious use, such as Buddhist or Shinto altar pieces, as well as for the tea ceremony. By the Edo period (1603–1868), the craft had spread to ordinary households, where items like soup bowls and rice bowls became common. Craftspeople known as kijishi (woodturners) built careers specialising in this work.
Even after the introduction of machines during the Meiji era, many hikimono products are still handmade today, earning global recognition for their blend of tradition and innovation.
How Hikimono Is Made — A Dialogue Between Craftsman and Nature
Each hikimono piece is created through a careful, step-by-step process:
1. Selecting the Wood
Artisans typically use Japanese broadleaf trees such as zelkova, horse chestnut, camphor, and magnolia. Each log is carefully chosen based on the beauty of its grain, smoothness of its surface, and ease of shaping.
2. Natural Drying
Freshly cut wood can’t be used immediately. It must be left to dry for months or even years, allowing moisture to gradually escape. This helps prevent cracking or warping. The way the wood behaves during drying also helps artisans decide how best to use it.
3. Rough Shaping
Using a lathe, the wood is spun and its basic shape is carved out. This early stage removes excess material and starts forming the final silhouette. A skilled hand at this point makes a big difference in the final outcome.
4. Final Shaping
Once the wood is completely dry, it is returned to the lathe for precise shaping. The artisan carefully balances curves and wall thickness to create a refined, symmetrical form. This step demands both experience and intuition.
5. Sanding and Finishing
The surface is smoothed with cloth or sandpaper, then treated with lacquer, beeswax, or plant-based oils. This improves durability and adds a deep, rich shine. In lacquerware, multiple coats are applied and dried in succession—a time-consuming but rewarding process.
Tools of the Trade — Supporting the Artisan’s Skill
Hikimono uses various types of lathes: hand-powered, foot-powered, and electric (also known as a woodturning lathe). These machines spin the wood steadily, allowing the artisan to make detailed cuts.
The cutting tools, called baits in Japanese, are either store-bought or handmade. Many artisans modify their own tools or forge them from scratch to suit specific types of wood and products. Some craftspeople use dozens of different blades—mastering their tools is an essential part of the craft.
Where Hikimono Thrives — Notable Regions and Brands
● Shizuoka Hikimono (Shizuoka Prefecture)
Dating back to the Edo period, this region specialises in a wide range of turned products, from furniture legs to incense burners and flower vases. Today, makers combine machine production with hand finishing for both domestic and international markets.
● Shōgawa Hikimono (Toyama Prefecture)
Famous for precise craftsmanship and careful drying methods that minimise warping. Popular products include tea ceremony utensils, high-end bowls, and decorative plates.
● Imaichi Hikimono (Tochigi Prefecture)
Located near the historic Nikkō Tōshō-gū shrine, Imaichi has long been known for religious and folk craft items. The area still preserves traditional hand-lathe techniques, and many skilled artisans remain active today.
Hikimono in Interior Design — Timeless Beauty in Modern Spaces
While often seen in tableware, hikimono also plays a growing role in home interiors. The soft curves and natural finishes pair beautifully not only with Japanese-style rooms but also with modern minimalist décor—earning it attention from designers around the world.
● Wooden Lamps and Lighting
Source: Tetsuto Kudō, Woodturning & Furniture
Wood-turned lampshades allow gentle light to filter through the grain, creating a soft, ambient glow. Hardwoods like camphor and horse chestnut are particularly effective in softening the light. These pieces blend seamlessly with Scandinavian-style interiors while adding warmth and character.
● Wooden Mirrors, Frames, and Clocks
Round mirror frames and curved wall clocks made using hikimono techniques are perfect accents for entranceways or living rooms. Lacquered finishes add an elegant sheen, elevating their appearance even further.
● Table and Chair Legs
Source: Victorian Craft – Antique Furniture and Homeware Shop
Cylindrical components—such as table legs and chair supports—are often turned by hand to create smooth, flowing shapes. These pieces bring a natural warmth that mass-produced furniture often lacks. They work especially well in natural wood or mixed-style interiors.
● Wall Art and Panels
More recently, hikimono has been used in wall-mounted art. Designers combine multiple wooden circles into geometric patterns, turning plain white walls into statement pieces. This style is growing in popularity overseas.
● Plant Stands and Small Shelving
Combining wood’s natural beauty with plants, these pieces introduce a soft rhythm to entryways or living rooms. The elegant curves made possible through woodturning elevate even the simplest stands or shelves.
Rising Global Popularity — A Perfect Fit for Sustainable Design
Hikimono is gaining international attention, particularly in regions where “Japandi” design—a fusion of Japanese simplicity and Scandinavian functionality—is trending. Here’s why it resonates globally:
-
Connection to Nature: With a focus on natural materials and sustainability, woodturning aligns with the movement away from plastics and toward eco-conscious design.
-
Respect for Craftsmanship: The artisanal touch offers something mass production can't replicate—elevating hikimono as both functional and artistic.
-
Material Blending: Woodturned items that combine with glass or metal offer a modern look while maintaining the warmth of wood—appealing to contemporary tastes.
Conclusion: Bringing Hikimono into Daily Life
Hikimono is a traditional Japanese craft that blends natural materials with the careful skill of artisans. Its beauty deepens over time, and every use invites a sensory connection to nature.
Even if you’re new to Japanese crafts, starting with a bowl or a lamp is an easy way to bring a little joy and richness into your everyday life. Supporting and sharing this tradition helps preserve a valuable cultural heritage—one that Japan can proudly offer to the world.