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paradise is not for humans only

The resort chain “Caro Foresta” put special efforts in targeting clients with pets.
Of course dogs are allowed in the resort, are pampered with a broad choice of delicious menus and are babysitted so that the owners can fully enjoy their vacation.
But yes, since the resort in Nasu is in a hot spring area, why the best friend of man shouldn`t enjoy the hot water also?
There it is: they offer hinoki outdoor baths (rotenburo) for the joy of your dog.

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I can see the smile on their face!

“kadomaru” nostalgic hottub

We decided to replicate a wooden tub that was the standard in every japanese household before the WWII.
It is compact and reasonably priced.
High quality japanese handicraft, solid and durable. We use 100% japanese sawara wood.
The straps are in stainless steel.
Options such as overflow cut are available (about 6,000 JPY extra)
(see an example here: 7-custom_ofuro/happy-end_in_switzerland.php )

check the page in the shop section for updated prices and details.

-33% off hinoki tub waiting for you in London… or NY (sold out!)

sorry, sold out!

A client from the UK purchased from us this beautiful type tub.
Unfortunately, there was a mistake in coordinating the sizes and the tub could not be installed.

The cost of the tub inclusive of shipping charge to London was 9,000 GBP.
The owner is willing to sell it for 6,000 GBP to any japanese bathtub lover based in the UK or Europe.
The 6,000 GBP (6,900 EUR) is for the tub, boxed to be picked up in London (transport to your site is not included)

Sizes are:
L1480mm x W1270mm x H550 mm (ext. dim.) 440mm (deep)
The depth matches a wester style tub and is safe to be used by children.

Meterial in Kiso Hinoki AB grade.

Conditions are: brand new, never used or installed.


If you are interested please contact us at: japan@bartokdesign.com so we can put you in communication with the seller.

little Japan in London

We exchanged mails directly with the client for about 2 months before going forward with this well balanced ofuro with an top overflow facing the wall.
The carpenter choose a the nice pattern of knots running from right to left on the top plank.
Accessories include a Hinoki wood wall mounted spout, ladle with handle, stool and
floor grate panel.

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The specs of the tub are as follows:

Material: Hinoki wood K grade (knotty) tub
Sizes: L1350mm x W700mm x H670mm (ext. dim.) 580mm(deep)
Finishing: Wood dovels, copper apron, Iron brand at front top right

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The tub top plank had an wood inlay. This is a traditional technique used when a wood-knot is or may become instable. The knot is removed and an another piece of wood is inserted to match
the shape. Wood fillings are unavoidable when it comes to Knotty wood and usually it is performed with a white round wooden plug.
Wood fillings are not signs of faulty material but are a sign of care taken by the carpenter.
Said this, after a remark from the client, for a better visual balance we filled it with a red round knot.

BEFORE
AFTER

Ofuro in mosaic clad bathroom

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Our wonderful bath has arrived in perfect condition and it looks amazing.
Thank you so much for all your hard work.
A. from Australia

perfumed asnaro from the attic – outled tub (sold out!)

sorry, sold out!

A grumpy elder lumberyard of our network, finally decided to part from a vintage lot of asnaro wood he is guarding for some 30 years.
The wood is perfectly dry so there is no worry of cracking.
The cut is a plank cut, which is rare for asnaro. Plank cut shows well the pattern of the wood veins and probably it was originally sawn to make tables or maybe even “tokonoma” (the floor plank used in the niche of a tatami room which is used to display flowers or precious ornaments)

To use fully the planks width we built a tub some 90mm deeper than the average.

Here are the details:
size: L1300mm x W750mm x H685mm (external dimensions) 590mm(depth)
quality: itame (plank-cut) asnaro wood

  1. AB grade tub (itame cut) : 415,000. JPY
  2. Packaging: 1500x950x890 plywood box: 39,000. JPY
  3. Pick up and delivery to Tokyo port or Narita air port: 10,000 JPY

For the payment, we accept Credit cards thru PAYPAL or contact us for wire transfer the information to our bank account in Japan.

Click here: (outlet130620.pdf) to download it in acrobat format.

The wood itself is vintage, dry and aromatic.
We recommend to enjoy it with a 1997 Harlan Estate Bordeaux bottle and 2 glasses…

remodeling in France

At the end of march we received a mail from a nice French couple.
They are planning a complete remodeling of their house and would like to use a japanese wooden bath for their bathroom.
At first they choose an oval tub so they could place it diagonally and enjoy the view out of the window.
They planned to use a duckboard for the floor, then they adjusted the plan and accessories a couple of times before going back to the original idea.
We could feel their excitement, worries and a lot of passion for their home renovation project.
Here are some pictures of the tub and accessories:

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The tub is made in Sawara wood AB grade (quarter sawn).
Option: stainless steel metal straps
Dimensions are: L930mm x W630mm x H740mm (ext. dim.)
The tub is equipped with a cover split in two halves.
A shot from the back with the spout ready to pour steamy water inside the tub…

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And here is a picture of the interior with the fixed seat

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Fixed exchange rate for you~!

After years of bullish strong yen, the japanese bills weakened some 30% against the dollar and euro in a span of few months.
one yen was buying you about 75 yen in autumn 2012 but climbed up to 102.31 yen on 5/15 (My wife` birthday…).

In the past 2 weeks, the yen is slowly recovering some positions and returned under the 100 units bar. As today, one dollar is worth about 98 yen.

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But at Bartok design, one dollar is still worth 102.31.
Until 6/15.
Did you miss the chance to confirm your order and see the dollar is slipping again?
No reason to regret, we extend the highest exchange rate of the past 4 years until june 15.

We strongly recommend you to take advantage of the“102.31 yen campaign”before also this chance is gone…

abenomics…

As you know, the new japanese Prime Minister, entered in charge last december has enacted agressive financial and fiscal measures with the purpose of pumping some fresh blood in the ailing japanese economy.
One of the first targets was the strong yen, a formidable obstacle to the japanese exports for the past 4-5 years. With an increase in public spending and monetary easing, the target was reached, maybe even too abruptly.
This alone does not change the outlook of japanese economy but is an element of hope and of course a concrete boost for exporters such as Bartok design Japan.
We are glad that our clients can buy our products with a 30-35% discount!

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But there is a downside.
Like putting fire to a pile of paper, the response to a massive economic stimulus is immediate, the flames are high and the temperature is rising. But how long is it going to last? In any case, for the time being construction materials costs are rising rapidly. Compared to 6 months ago steel is +15%, concrete is 7%up and concrete forms are up over 20% up. Wood for carpentry increased some 5% but selected and rare wood (like hinoki) is rising more rapidly and is not rare to stumble into no-common-sense requests.
Public spending tends to boost cost of high grade materials and hinoki is used in historical building renovations, hot springs, conference centers, hotels etc.
We have our stock but will have to face the situation of more costly material sooner or later.
From the mid of june, we will have to apply a cost increase of about 10% and our quotation will have a strict 15 days validity.
I am addressing this notice especially to those who requested a quotation and are now evaluating the option of using one of our baths,
Sorry, our quotations until 2013/5/31 have a 1 month validity and cannot be extended further. No exception. Thank you in advance for your kind understanding.
Even our costs are increasing, the weak yen will still make our products more accessible and this is good news for all the japanese bath lovers in the world…!
All the Best//
iacopo torrini

Reference from France

Good Morning Iacopo
The tub has arrived at our home last Friday. We have unpacked it just to see and smell it…and repacked it because our bathroom will be available only in a couple of months !
The tub is beautiful – we are very happy to have it …it will be hard to wait before we can use it !
Thanks again for everything
Best regards
G & B

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