Discover the history of Japanese craftsmanship through the work of Magewappa artisans.
Odate Magewappa
Traditional Japanese craftsmanship
Magewappa is a traditional Japanese wood-bending technique with a history spanning thousands of years.
Originating in Odate, Akita Prefecture, northern Japan, it is a symbol of local culture.
Used in the daily lives of ordinary people since the early 10th century, the Odate Magewappa became recognized as a form of craftsmanship among the samurai by the late 17th century. The crafting techniques have been preserved by artisans and passed down from generation to generation up to the present day.
The distinctive curvature of Magewappa is achieved by immersing thin boards of premium Akita cedar in hot water and carefully bending them once the wood has softened sufficiently.
Magewappa products
From classic bento boxes and sake cups to contemporary containers for baguettes, champagne, and design objects.
A tradition that lives in the present, with extremely high standards of precision, aesthetics, and artisanal savoir-faire.