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laminating the planks

In these pictures it is easy to understand how the side walls of a hinoki tub are laminated.
First the material is assorted so that knots or other imperfections get discarded and of course, so that the total width of the planks is equal on the four sides of the tub. This is also a way to optimize the use of the material and avoid loss.
The wood is hand sawn by overlapping 2 planks so that with one single cut two perfecly matching planks are cut.

The pictures show the phase when the planks are drilled and connected with woodes plugs (dabo). The planks are joined with a waterproof bond and kept in the press overnight.
The corner of the tubs are realized with a more complex joint which is sealed by the insertion of hinoki wood bark which acts as a kind of natural gasket. Moreover, this bark has excellent fungicidal property and prevents mold stains in the most vulnerable point (the corners).

tub fitting

What am I doing here!?

Actually, today we showed our material and products to a perspective customer from Germany who is visiting Japan.

It is always a pleasure to have a tea together and exchange thoughts with fellow westerners who share with us passion for japan and fine hand crafts.

We looked at the plans and after some talking, we felt it might be easier just to try one tub, as you would do with a pair of boots. We had an “outlet” tub and the client could enter and get a more direct idea of the size and of the feeling of the tub.
Even a smaller tub seems spacious and comfortable when you try it. No big surprise, the sizes we were recommending actually did fit perfect, anyway after trying the tub the client could feel reassured and move forward without worry.
If you visit Japan, drop by for a tub fitting (if you let us the time we can pick you up at JR Maihama station).

Well, we wanted to show you how it works so I found the good excuse to enter the tub myself…

asnaro thick wall tub for sale (sold out)

* * * sorry, sold out * * *

One peculiarity of this tub is the thickness of the planks: 44mm (compared to normal 33mm).
It is a very solid and nice tub as you can see in the photos and drawing below.
Please find below a quote for a L1400mm x W810mm x H635mm (external
dimensions) 555mm(depth) knotless natural Asnaro bathtub.
(See enclosed pictures and pdf drawing)
Click the thumbs below for a larger image.

Japanese bathing
wood tub
ofuro

1) AB grade tub (quarter sawn) : 540,000. JPY
2) Packaging: 1550x960x840 wood box: 39,000. JPY
3) Transport: I will ask for a quote for delivery at your door. Please specify also if you are in a hurry (air freight) or you can wait at least 30 days (ocean freight)
We will need the dull delivery address to obtain a quote from the forwarding company.
Notes:
The plank joints are realized with wooden dowels, the bottom plank head is protected by a copper apron.
The tub has a simple and minimalist proportions and has no top border.
Of course, we can ship world-wide.
Payment conditions: 100% prepaid
We hope you will appreciate this offer and welcome any question you may have.

outlet: rare tibetan hinoki bathtub (sold out)

* * * sorry, sold out * * *

This is a very rare tub and anyway one of a kind for our production.
We deal mainly in japanese timber, anyway some months ago we found a good occasion and put the hands on a very particular small lot of timber, ideal just to produce this one tub.
The wood is himalayan (from the chinese occupied area of Tibet) and comes from a tree which is 1000 years old. Yes, count the ‘zeros’ once again. I said one thousand years! Few years ago the cut and export of this material was outlawed (fortunately) so this lot remains orphan. Too little to assort a stock, too much and too precious to just keep it on the shelves. Since we are receiving a good response from this outlet corner, we decided to build a tub with this material and propose it to the conoisseurs at discounted price (outlet).
Please find below a quote for a L1600mm x W800mm x H635mm (external
dimensions) 550mm(depth) knotless natural Asnaro bathtub.
(See enclosed pictures and pdf drawing)
Click the thumbs below for a larger image.

soaking tub

Japanese bath

ofuro

1) AB grade tub (quarter sawn) : 980,000 JPY
2) Packaging: 1750x950x840 wood box: 42,000. JPY
3) Transport: I will ask for a quote for delivery at your door. Please specify also if you are in a hurry (air freight) or you can wait at least 30 days (ocean freight)
We will need the dull delivery address to obtain a quote from the forwarding company.
Notes:
The plank joints are realized with copper plates, the bottom plank head is protected by a copper apron.
The tub has a top border 100x60mm (kamachi.)
Of course, we can ship world-wide.
Payment conditions: 100% prepaid
We hope you will appreciate this offer and welcome any question you may have.

round tubs for Hakone

These large round tubs were made for a hot spring luxury hotel near Mt. Fuji.
They are so beautiful to look at that I could stay here staring for hours…
Can you imagine how would it be to take a hot bath inside?

Just for your information, round tubs of this size go for 16,000 + per piece, without transportation cost…
On the other end, how much is our physical and mental health worth?
We do not have statistical data but it is known that a relaxing bath a day improves almost all body functions and extend life-span. Additionally it is also believed to improve relations and productivity.

This may be the reasons that made a client comment “In this time of financial uncertainty, a japanese tub is actually the best investment I made. Under all points of view.”

wide ledge asnaro bathtub in stock (sold out)

* * * Sorry, sold out! * * *

Here is a new brand new tub at discounted price (outlet).
Please find below a quote for a L1400mm x W700mm x H670mm (external
dimensions) 600mm(depth) knotless natural Asnaro bathtub.
(See enclosed pictures and pdf drawing)
Click the thumbs below for a larger image.

ofuro

Japanese bath

wood tub

soaking tub

1) AB grade tub (quarter sawn) : 3400.00 US$ (was 3900.00)
2) Packaging: 1550x850x8700 wood box: 370 US$
3) Transport: I will ask for a quote for delivery at your door. Please specify also if you are in a hurry (air freight) or you can wait at least 30 days (ocean freight)
We will need the dull delivery address to obtain a quote from the forwarding company.
Notes:
The plank joints are realized with dowels, the bottom plank head is protected by a copper plate (apron)
Of course, we can ship world-wide.
Payment conditions: 100% prepaid
We hope you will appreciate this offer and welcome any question you may have.

hinoki tub for Sidney

Japanese soaking

The client come to japan to search and collect construction materials for her new house.
We were glad also to introduce her a tatami maker and bamboo weaver in Kyoto.
It is a pleasure to deal with lovers of beutiful things and to help traditional craftsmen at the same time!
We were commissioned this generously sized tub for two to be mounted free standing in the center of a bathroom which also includes a shower box.

Japanese ofuro

100% natural tub-2

Here is how we are building the 100% natural tub in the traditional way.
The shape most suitable is the “TARU” which is assembled like a barrell with vertical planks of hinoki. The water pressure distributes uniformly on the perimeter and is collected by the stainless steel bands hammered from the bottom up.

The hinoki planks are cut with variable angles so to match eachother seamlessly. Between these we used a natural bond made of rice starch called “SOKOI”. This is 100% natural and does not contain anything but rice and water!

100% natural tub-1

Of course all our tubs are natural: we only use wood and do not treat it with any chemical or coating agent. How can you make a tub which is more natural than a wood tub?
Actually we do use some bond inside the joints of our tubs. We prefer epoxy bond instead of urea based products because it is long lasting and safe for the health.

Anyway this time we received an interesting challenge.
We were required to build a 100% natural tub (actually 2 tubs), without the use of any synthetic material. We had to resort to the knowledge and wisdom of our carpenter`s father who dedicated great passion and almost 3 weeks of work for this project. It was really a great chance for passing down the ancient tecnique (and art) to the younger generations. It was more than 50 years since he last used the this construction method!
Read some more details in the next entry.

asnaro tub for Tribeca

wood tub parts

More than being just a tub these project was about building prefinished asnaro parts for a masterly conceived bathroom in wood and marble. Everything was designed with care for the detail while aiming at the balance of the composition.

When good design and quality craft meet, something wonderful sees the light.

There is a bench with marble base and a asnaro wood grate for the seat.
Then there is a step in asnaro to integrate in front of the alcove containing the tub.
Two doors close the tub alcove and as they open insidewards, you will be surrounded by wood while you enjoy the soak…

Japanese bathing

The tub is a roomy L2082mm x W1041mm x H965mm with two inner seats.(see photo below!). It is built to integrate in a niche and to create a ledge flush with the two asnaro doors. We evaluated different options, finally decided to build the tub and the ledge in one piece. In this way it is solid and there is no worry about assembly on site. Dimensions were checked accurately; then should an adjustment should be necessary, it is easy to shorten the ledge on the back or the side. If you can use a circular saw, you can do it.

soaking ofuro

Here it is! the mellow, peaceful, relaxing, feeling of being inside an asnaro tub… I wish we could start filling it up with hot water!

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