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fragrance bags

Have you ever been in a Kyoto kimono store or even a souvenir shop and be welcomed by a heavenly smell of incense?
Japanese culture does not make large use of perfumes (as Tom Cruise found out in the “last samurai” they prefer to wash the body rather than covering the body odor with deodorants…).
But there is an exception and a reason.

In a very humid climate, the insets proliferate and japanese have learned to protect themselves and the precious kimono robes with incense. The fragrances that japanese use are very pure and refined: not too strong but very particular and have surprising insect repellent properties.

fragrance-bag

If you do not know what I am talking about, this is for you.
I am committed to bring to the world the fragrances of traditional japan.
Try to imagine checking in into your hotel room in Dubai or returning to your weekend house after few weeks.
A subtle scent of cleanliness welcomes you and when you open the first drawer of the bedroom chest the aroma becomes more intense giving you a feeling of relaxation and recalling pleasant memories.

With the collaboration of a friend and his 91 year old grandmother (owner of an old manufacture of fragrances) i decided to bring to the world of japan-lovers a collection of exquisite aroma bags made with kimono fabric and containing a mix of selected aromas.

There are 2 sizes:
the “Fragrance Bag” (in 8 colors) suitable for a wardrobe of the entrance of a beauty salon.
-> link to the shop page:
KF0007_Fragrance-Bag-Montpellier-Green

The “Personal sacket” (in 13 colors) can be kept in the car, in the pocket or in a drawer.
-> link to the shop page:
KP0003_Personal-Sachets-Olive-Green

Here are some historical notes the maker is very proud of:

“In the times of the Asuka kingdom in ancient Japan, a piece of fragrant wood washed ashore on Awaji island.
This discovery let to the beginning of the history of use of fragrant incense wood in Japan.
During the Heian period, the Japanese nobility enjoyed the burning of these incense woods.
These fragrant woods were also used to scent the traditional twelve layered ceremonial kimono.

As well as creating an aura of pleasant perfume around the wearer of the Kimono, the fragrant
woods also acted as an insect repellent.
The Japanese believed that these fragrant incense woods were able to create a sense of peace and relaxation and even to have healing homeopathic properties.
The scent from these will provide you and those around you with all the benefits and good fortune long associated with these highly praised woods.”

Feel free to contact me for any question, or just comment below.

Survey for new product: YUKATA ROBES

For 13 years, almost weekly I have been posed the following question:
“do you also carry yukata robes?” (The type of casual kimono you use while in your room in the ryokan or after taking a plunge in a onsen).

In a world regurgitating with products…, I just though it was best for me to concentrate on one I was able to fully design and develop: custom made japanese ofuro.
I was honored to have been recognized and trusted by thousands as an ambassador of the japanese style bathing and I was comfortable in my niche.

But things are going to change.

While living in Japan, I have a privileged communication channel with a wide community of japan-lovers around the globe: this circumstance is not only bless but also a responsibility.

I feel more and more like I have a moral obligation to exit my comfort zone and provide more value to all of you who are trying to graft a slice of japan into your lives.
For this reason, I decided to start a new product line: wear.

Of course the first product of the list will be the long awaited yukata robes.
And I will need your help.
To provide the type of yukata you are looking for, I will need your opinion: the selection I will propose will be based on the survey below.
I will be grateful if you will share with me your thoughts!
It is a simple google survey consisting of 3 main and 3 sub-questions and takes from 30 to 60 seconds to complete.
The survey is anonymous but I will extract 3 of you and present a brand new yukata! (I will contact the winners thru the mailing list using their nicknames)

Please refer to the photos below the survey box. Thank you in advance for your time and precious advice!
NOTE: Feel free to repeat the survey to record the opinionof your family members as well!

(please fill in the survey in the box above)

Question a: which type of wear you may be interested in?

(indicate the level of interest for each option)

Question b: in case of yukata, which design do you like?

Question c:　Where do you prefer the bartokdesign brand logo?

Question d:　which material/color you like for the obi belt?

(please fill in the survey in the box above)

Validity of the quotation

I am going to purchase an ofuro in 6 months from now. Will the quotation still be valid?

Please note that the quotation is valid 1 month.
Unless there are major market changes, our prices do not vary, although shipping charges may fluctuate according to oil and local currency exchange rate variations.
Let me know when you are ready to finalize the order and I will provide an updated invoice at that time.

sorry for the TYPO…

Dear subscribers to the Bartokdesign mailing list,

Sorry for the typo in the mail I sent you few hours ago.
Although I am using an automated system, I personally write the text to 1050 subscribers.
Receiving a personal mail … addressed to “Dear {!firstname_fix},” must have been a terrible experience.
I deeply apologize and hope you give me one more chance.

Yours sincerely,

Bartok design Japan Co.
Manager: Iacopo Torrini
—————————-
e-mail: japan@bartokdesign.com
tel: +81-78-262-6811
fax: +81-78-262-7151
cell.: +81-90-8205-1200
—————————-

cold plunge hinoki tub

As the title says, this tub will be used for a cold water plunge so it does not have an internal seat.

The tub was ordered thru a very collabotarive architecture office and we had a positive and efficient exchange of information back and forth.
This is something we have to thank the technology for…
On the other hand, the tub itself is 100% analogic.
Even though for box type tubs we can build precisely (tolerance of +/-1mm) a round tub of this size may have a tolerance of +/-10mm!

There is a saying that round tubs do not close if they are built by calculation.
A round tub is beautiful (and functional) only if it is built with the heart!

Here below are the specs of the tub:

material: natural Japanese Hinoki cypress AB grade bathtub (quartersawn)
sizes: Dia 1220mm x H958mm (external dimensions) 838mm(deep)
details: stainless steel bands
accessories:
– Hinoki wood step stool W500mm x D400mm x H400mm
– Complimentary hygrometer

KNOTTY HINOKI FOR MOM TOO

We made a similar tub for a californian client in 2009.
His mother apparently likes the tub too so we received another order: same shape, same size, same material.

There is one problem though: the double slanted tub we made in 2009 was a hit. It was published on an american interior design magazine and was featured in a japanese TV program.
The wood knots pattern -unpredictable by nature- was very well balanced: powerful and refined at the same time.

The problem is this: can we make a tub with a knot pattern that is at least as nice as the son’s?
We do not want to be the cause of family jealousy…

But yes: the miracle happened twice! The tub is as beautiful (if not even more) as the 2009 one: compare yourself.
What do you think? Feel free to use the comments field below to share your thoughts.

Here below are the specs of the tub:

material: natural Japanese Hinoki cypress K grade bathtub (knotty)
sizes: L1320mm x W685mm x H660mm (ext. dim.) 546mm (deep)
details: nat. oil apron, wood dowels. Iron brand at front side top-right
accessories:Hygrometer

tub for 2 people

Hi There,
I am from Canada and am interested in your tubs and wonder which ones　are suitable for 2 people soaking at the same time. I see the Outlet　Round Tub on your site. Is that suitable for 2 people? Are Ofuro tubs　normally made for 2 people?

It depends on the size of the tub and … how intimate are the 2 people using the tub.
The round outlet tub is 3ft in diameter (external size) so I think it works best for one person.

You may make a test in a tub you own or create a mockup in your living room using a corner of the room and the back of a sofa, or some cardboard boxes to simulate the size.
We can build the size to match your specs so it can fit your needs/space in the most efficient way.

We are looking forward to working with you and remain at you disposal for any question/problem.

insurance and guarantee

For the insurance I understand from your webpage that for transportation the stuff is insured and it needs to be checked within a certain period after arrival.
And there is a 1year guarantee on manufacturing work, guess this means cases where eg. dowels break or cases like that?

Shipping insurance: as you say, it is included, in case there is any problem just be sure to report it asap. Just for your reference, until now we did not have one single damage report.

Guarantee: please note that we cannot provide a guarantee on hinoki tubs.
The wood is very sensitive to environmental conditions and we cannot be responsible for any damage caused by dryness, mold or detergents.
We will do our best to assist with any problem, but are simply not able to implement the conditions for a guarantee on the product.

Of course if there is a construction problem or execution miss we will repair or replace the tub.
Please note that in over 12 years (201 tubs delivered worldwide) we replaced one tub (non compatible water-repellent) and repaired one (dead knot).

import taxes

Is the standard portion of taxes already included in the quotation and only potential additional charges, taxes etc. may occur? Or do we need to estimate additional tax cost for sure? If yes, whats your experience when shipping to Germany?

The quick answer is: for Germany the import tax on wooden items is 0%. The VAT is 19%.
For people who want to know more: please find here the master chart:
everything you always wanted to know about import taxes … and never dared to ask!
Please note that we export wooden tubs with the following customs HS code: 4421.90

Import	HS commodity	MFN duty	Sales	Additional duties &
country	code	rate	tax	taxes
Algeria	4421.90.90	30%	17%
Andorra	4421.90.9790	0%	4.50%
Antigua And Barbuda	4421.90.90	20%	15%	Customs service tax (CST) (10% CIF)
Argentina	4421.90.00900X	35%	21%	Statistical fee (0.5% CIF)
Aruba	4421.90.20	12%	No sales tax
Australia	4421.90.0030	5%	10%	Import Processing Charge (AU$48.85)
Austria	4421.90.9790	0%	20%
Azerbaijan>	4421.90.9800	15%	18%
Azores	4421.90.9790	0%	18%
Bahrain	4421.90.99	5%	No sales tax
Bangladesh	4421.90.90	25%	15%	Supplementary Duty (SD) (0% CIFD)
				Regulatory Duty (RD) (4% (CIFD + Supplementary Duty (SD)))
				AIT(Advance Income Tax) (5% CIFD)
Barbados	4421.90.90	20%	17.50%
Belarus	4421.90.9800	10.50%	20%
Belgium	4421.90.9790	0%	21%
Belize	4421.90.90	20%	12.50%	Environmental Levy (2% CIF)
Bermuda	4421.90.0	22.25%	No sales tax
Bolivia	4421.90.90000	40%	14.94%
Bosnia And Herzegovina	4421.90.9700	5%	17%	Customs record keeping charge (1% CIF)
Botswana	4421.90.906	20%	12%
Brazil	4421.90.00	14%	Depends on province	Airport fee (50% (Storage fee + Handling fee))
				Storage fee (1% CIFD)
				Handling fee (BRL0.015 per KG)
				Declaration fee (BRL30.00)
				IPI (0% CIFD)
				PIS PASEP COFINS tax ((11.75% (CIF * (1 + ICMS%) * (Duty% + IPI% * (1 + Duty%)))) / (0.9075 * (1 – ICMS%)))
Brunei Darussalam	4421.90.99	0%	No sales tax
Bulgaria	4421.90.9790	0%	20%
Burundi	4421.90.00	25%	18%	Administrative Licence Fee (0.5% CIF)
Burundi	4421.90.00	25%	18%	Security Tax (1.15% CIF)
Cambodia	4421.90.99	15%	10%	Special tax ()
Canada	4421.90.9099	6%	Depends on province
Canary Islands	4421.90.9790	0%	3%
Cayman Islands	4421.90.00	22%	No sales tax
Chile	4421.90.90	6%	19%	Classification Charge (1% CIF)
China	4421.90.9090	0%	17%
Colombia	4421.90.9000	0%	16%
Costa Rica	4421.90.9090	14%	13%	Golfito Tax (Tourism development tax) (18% CIFD)
Costa Rica	4421.90.9090	14%	13%	Law 6946 (National Emergency Law) (1% CIFD)
Croatia	4421.90.9790	0%	25%
Cyprus	4421.90.9790	0%	19%
Czech Republic	4421.90.9790	0%	21%
Denmark	4421.90.9790	0%	25%
Dominica	4421.90.90	20%	15%	Customs service charge (3% CIF)
Dominican Republic	4421.90.90	20%	18%
Ecuador	4421.90.90	20%	12%	FodInfa (Children development fund) (0.5% CIF)
Ecuador	4421.90.90	20%	12%	ICE (Consumption Tax) (0% CIFD)
Egypt	4421.90.90	10%	10%
El Salvador	4421.90.90	15%	13%
Estonia	4421.90.9790	0%	20%
Finland	4421.90.9790	0%	24%
France	4421.90.9790	0%	20%
French Guiana	4421.90.9790	0%	No sales tax
Germany	4421.90.9790	0%	19%
Gibraltar	4421.90.000	12%	No sales tax
Greece	4421.90.9790	0%	23%
Grenada	4421.90.90	20%	15%	Customs service charge (CSC) (5% CIF)
Guadeloupe	4421.90.9790	0%	8.50%
Guatemala	4421.90.90	15%	12%
Guernsey	4421.90.9790	0%	No sales tax
Guyana	4421.90.90	20%	16%
Honduras	4421.90.9000	15%	15%
Hong Kong	4421.90.00	0%	No sales tax
Hungary	4421.90.9790	0%	27%
Iceland	4421.90.29	10%	24%
India	4421.90.90	10%	No sales tax	Landing charges (1% CIF)
				Countervailing duty (12.5% (CIFD + Landing charges))
				CESS (3% (Duty + CEX (Education & Higher Education CESS) + Countervailing duty))
				Additional Countervailing Duty (4% (CIFD + Landing charges + Countervailing duty + CESS + CEX (Education & Higher Education CESS)))
Indonesia	4421.90.9900	5%	10%	Income tax (15% CIFD)
Iran	4421.90.90	22%	8%
Ireland	4421.90.9790	0%	23%
Isle of Man	4421.90.9790	0%	20%
Israel	4421.90.90	0%	17%	Import port fee (US$50.31 Import port fee if weight more 50 kg per shipment)
Italy	4421.90.9790	0%	22%
Jamaica	4421.90.90	20%	16.50%	Standard compliance fee (SCF) (0.3% CIF)
Jamaica	4421.90.90	20%	16.50%	Environmental levy (0.5% CIF)
Japan	4421.90.999	2.90%	8%	LVS (5%)
Jersey	4421.90.9790	0%	5%
Jordan	4421.90.90	30%	16%
Kazakhstan	4421.90.9800	10.50%	12%
Kenya	4421.90.00	25%	16%	Import Declaration Fee (2.25% CIF)
Kuwait	4421.90.99	5%	No sales tax
Lao People’s Democratic Republic	4421.90.99	20%	10%
Latvia	4421.90.9790	0%	21%
Lebanon	4421.90.90	5%	10%
Lesotho	4421.90.906	20%	14%
Liechtenstein	4421.90.00	0% + CHF14.00 per 100 kg	8%
Lithuania	4421.90.9790	0%	21%
Luxembourg	4421.90.9790	0%	17%
Macau	4421.90.90	0%	No sales tax
Madeira	4421.90.9790	0%	22%
Malaysia	4421.90.990	20%	6%
Maldives	4421.90.0010	10%	6%
Malta	4421.90.9790	0%	18%
Martinique	4421.90.9790	0%	8.50%
Mayotte	4421.90.9790	0%	No sales tax
Mexico	4421.90.99	15%	16%	DTA (0.8% CIFD)
Monaco	4421.90.9790	0%	20%
Montserrat	4421.90.90	20%	No sales tax
Morocco	4421.90.9090	25%	20%	Timber tax (12% CIF)
Morocco	4421.90.9090	25%	20%	Parafiscal tax (0.25% CIF)
Myanmar	4421.90.9900	15%	No sales tax
Namibia	4421.90.906	20%	15%
Netherlands	4421.90.9790	0%	21%
New Zealand	4421.90.1919H	5%	15%	Import entry transaction fee (NZ$49.24)
Nicaragua	4421.90.9090	15%	15%
Nigeria	4421.90.9900	20%	5%	Excise (20%)
Norway	4421.90.09	0%	25%
Oman	4421.90.99	5%	No sales tax
Pakistan	4421.90.90	20%	17%
Panama	4421.90.99	10%	7%
Paraguay	4421.90.00	14%	10%
Peru	4421.90.9000	6%	16%	Additional fee (0% CIFD)
Peru	4421.90.9000	6%	16%	Municipal tax (2% (CIFD + Excise + Tariff surcharge))
Philippines	4421.90.99	10%	12%
Poland	4421.90.9790	0%	23%
Portugal	4421.90.9790	0%	23%
Puerto Rico	4421.90.9780	3.30%	7.25%
Qatar	4421.90.99	5%	No sales tax
Reunion	4421.90.9790	0%	8.50%
Romania	4421.90.9790	0%	24%
Russian Federation	4421.90.9800	10.50%	18%
Rwanda	4421.90.00	25%	18%	Withholding tax (5% CIF)
Saint Kitts And Nevis	4421.90.90	20%	17%
Saint Lucia	4421.90.90	20%	15%	Service charge (6% CIF)
Saint Martin	4421.90.9790	0%	No sales tax
Saint Vincent And The Grenadines	4421.90.90	20%	15%	Customs service charge (5% CIF)
San Marino	4421.90.9790	0%	No sales tax
Saudi Arabia	4421.90.99	5%	No sales tax
Serbia	4421.90.9700	10%	20%
Singapore	4421.90.99	0%	7%
Slovakia	4421.90.9790	0%	20%
Slovenia	4421.90.9790	0%	22%
South Africa	4421.90.906	20%	14%
South Korea	4421.90.9000	8%	10%
Spain	4421.90.9790	0%	21%
Sri Lanka	4421.90.90	25%	11%	Import Cess (Rs50.00 per kg)
				PAL (Ports and Airport Levy) (5% CIF)
				Surcharge (15% Duty)
				Social Responsibility Levy (SRL) (1.5% (Duty + Surcharge + Excise))
Suriname	4421.90.90	20%	10%	Consent law (1.5% CIF)
Suriname	4421.90.90	20%	10%	Statistics law (0.5% CIF)
Swaziland	4421.90.906	20%	14%
Sweden	4421.90.9790	0%	25%
Switzerland	4421.90.00	0% + CHF14.00 per 100 kg	8%
Taiwan (ROC)	4421.90.90005	0%	5%	Trade promotion fee (0.04% CIF)
Tanzania	4421.90.00	25%	18%
Thailand	4421.90.99000	20%	7%
Trinidad And Tobago	4421.90.90	20%	15%
Turkey	4421.90.970000	0%	18%
Turks And Caicos Islands	4421.90.9	30%	No sales tax
Uganda	4421.90.00	25%	18%	Withholding tax (6% CIF)
Ukraine	4421.90.9800	0%	20%
United Arab Emirates	4421.90.99	5%	No sales tax
United Kingdom	4421.90.9790	0%	20%
United States	4421.90.9780	3.30%	Depends on state	Merchandise Processing Fee ()
Uruguay	4421.90.00	14%	22%	Consular fee (2% CIF)
Venezuela	4421.90.0090	14%	12%
Vietnam	4421.90.99	25%	10%

order summary

Thank-you for your interest in our hinoki products!
As a general reference, please note the following:

All our tubs are custom built as per our client`s order. We can produce any shape, any size.
If you let us know your requirements/shape/size we can prepare a quote.
All our tubs are produced in Japan and the lead time is 60 days from confirmed order to delivery on site.
We do not have agents or distributors in your country. You will have to contact us in Japan.
You are welcome to visit us at our warehouse in Tokyo to see sample tubs and the hinoki wood.
We will not be able to install the tub on site nor recommend anybody near you.
The installation is very straightforward as the tub already comes assembled in one piece.
We use only the metric system. All dimensions must be specified in millimeters. (note: 1″=25.4mm)
We cannot supply any jet/recirculation system. Please see also the FAQ’s for reference.
As an example, we can offer the size 1515x915xH725mm (one of the most popular for the US) for 6600-US$
There is some cost reduction for width under 800mm (straight border, see the details page)
Shipping cost is around 1500 US$ door to door for the US. We can make a precise estimate together with the quote for the tub.
All expenses are prepaid, but in some cases it is easier to have you fill the customs import declaration which costs around 250US$.
If you want we can use your forwarder, you can arrange to pick up the tub at our ware house in Tokyo.
Cost of wooden crate is about 400 US$.

★You may also want to take a look at the documentation on our download page:
https://bartokdesign.com/download
especially the first item on the list (custom bathtubs order guide (pdf))

Our service include custom CAD drawings and assistance. We are looking forward to collaborate with you and welcome any question you may have.

fragrance bags

Survey for new product: YUKATA ROBES

Question a: which type of wear you may be interested in?

Question b: in case of yukata, which design do you like?

Question c:　Where do you prefer the bartokdesign brand logo?

Question d:　which material/color you like for the obi belt?

Validity of the quotation

sorry for the TYPO…

cold plunge hinoki tub

KNOTTY HINOKI FOR MOM TOO

tub for 2 people

insurance and guarantee

import taxes

order summary

Search

Categories

Question a: which type of wear you may be interested in?

Question b: in case of yukata, which design do you like?

Question c: Where do you prefer the bartokdesign brand logo?

Question d: which material/color you like for the obi belt?

Search

Categories

Question c:　Where do you prefer the bartokdesign brand logo?

Question d:　which material/color you like for the obi belt?