TAKAMO
About Takamo
Takamo is an accessory brand launched by Yuto Takahashi. This brand is part of the catalogue by Takahashi Woodworking Co., Ltd. a wood products manufacturer located in the Kagawa Prefecture. The Setouchi International Art Festival, an internationally renowned event, is held in this region of Japan where artists from various industries gather. Mr. Takahashi is a fourth generation owner but has dedicated his company to the task of promoting and preserving the Japanese traditional woodworking techniques now and beyond.
Takamo's philosophy is "wood grain x detail". Using the natural color of the tree, they value the texture unique to natural wood.
They want to expand the potential of wood products
Takahashi Woodworking Co., Ltd., uses the Kumiko technique for the various types of fittings they create and sell. The company was originally founded in 1971 as a fittings store.
One day, the potential of their work was discovered by industry leaders in Buddhist altar manufacturing and was recruited to bring their woodworking techniques to the industry. The Buddhist altar’s original purpose is for worshipping ancestors, but has become a place to return to the ancestors' souls with prayer and offerings. In modern times, the design of Buddhist altars that served a traditional role in Japanese life have adapted to the times. These new modern altars have not required the same level of quality craftsmanship and the traditional skills needed for the older generation of altars have nearly disappeared.
Soonafter, the company thought that by applying the manufacturing techniques of fittings and altars that had been inherited from generation to generation to accessories, people would be able to feel a connection to their origins. Takamo was born with the idea to use this concept to create unique wood products for the modern Japanese lifestyle but with traditional Japanese roots.
Designed for Daily Use
All accessories are designed to be both casual and formal. They are made of metal and natural wood.
The material used is called "Karaki". It is commonly known for musical instruments, and consists of natural wood with a distinct color and grain. It also features white ash with a beautiful white color. Taking into metal allergies into account, we use surgical stainless steel or 14kgf for the parts of the earring that make contact with the ears.
"Kumiko"- A Traditional Japanese Technique
The “hana” series of Takamo accessories are made using a woodworking technique called Kumiko, a traditional Japanese technique, and is a popular design among tourists who come to Japan.
Kumiko is a technique for attaching wood without using nails or screws. Grooves and holes are carefully made in high-quality wood, and they are assembled one by one while making fine adjustments. This method of assembly requires a very delicate, skillful hand. If the dimensions are 0.1 mm off, it will not be possible to assemble.
The Kumiko technique was originally utilized to create decorations for shrines, temples, fittings and altars.
Unfortunately the process is slow, inefficient, and ensures small-volume production, but it’s a handmade heartfelt creation. As we all know, homemade dishes made with care are the most delicious. Takamo's craftsmen painstakingly make each accessory one at a time, instilling each item with love and respect so it can be used and appreciated for a long time.
Carved from High-Quality Natural Wood
All Takamo's accessories are made using natural wood. It is harder and more durable than artificial wood. Real wood has some life force of nature in it, giving it an aura and long-lasting properties. Processing it is more difficult than artificial wood, as appropriate processing requires similarly intricate and complex techniques.
Spiritual Yet Luxurious
Ebony timber grows very slowly and is highly valuable. It is famous as one of the three most popular Karaki trees. Great for high-end musical instruments and chess pieces, it is heavy and resilient with natural black grain and luster and even has been known to be relaxing. In the religious and spiritual world, it’s able to serve as an amulet charm that repels and drives away evil.
Sophisticated Color and Scent
Rosewood has a calm, reddish and elegant color, and fresh rosewood has a rose-like scent, which is where its name comes from. It is considered one of the three great Karaki trees along with ebony and bombay blackwood. The timber is commonly described as giving an uplifting feeling when viewed and smelled, making it perfect for creating fine furniture and first rate musical instruments. Since rosewood has high decay resistance and maintains its finish for a long time, it is great for long-term use.
Visually Striking and Cool
White ash is used for a multitude of purposes such as the creation of furniture, musical instruments, and building materials, making it one of the most versatile timbers. In the United States, it was used as a material for Indian bows, arrows and clothing. Due to its springy properties, it is also used to sculpt baseball bats. The powerful and clear expression and the cool colors give off a visually striking yet refreshing feel.
Material in Our Earrings
－Surgical Stainless Steel
Unlike ordinary stainless steel, it is a material used almost exclusively for medical scalpels. It is JIS standard and is also called "316L". It has extremely low allergic properties and is characterized by minimal degradation from rust due to sweat or water.
-Titanium
Titanium is said to be the least prone to cause metal allergies among the main metals. In addition, because it is very lightweight, it’s comfortable to wear. It is also resistant to sweat and water, making it easy to clean. Skin-friendly titanium is also used in medical implants and eyeglass frames.
－14kgf
Takamo uses gold coated metal fittings called gf (gold field). Coated with 100 times the thickness of Plating. Compared to normal gold plating, the layers are much thicker so the surface is hard to peel and the underlying metal is hard to expose. This results in a product that outlasts most gold plated products.
* Please note that not all materials use allergy-compatible materials in one product.