Brand new, pristine ofuros that we have in stock and ready to ship for diverse reasons



Outlet tubs

strong as a castle gate – outlet tub – SOLD OUT

(sorry, sold out…)

This is a real Christmas present!
The client who bought exaclty 2 years ago was not able to import it because of the Covid situation and decided to put it on the market again!
Extra rare! We haven`t been able to make knotty tubs for the past 2 years!
First came first serve basis!

We just completed a large roten-buro (outdoor bath) for a hot spring in Hakone. As we had to use long pieces of lumber, we had some left overs: we picked up the best parts – heartwood only – and made this “hearty” ofuro for the outlet corner. We had several inquiries in the past month for knotty hinoki tubs but did not have any nice material on stock.
If you were looking for this type of ofuro you should act quickly because I am not sure when we will have another lot of such generous knotty hinoki.

This ofuro is simple and solid like the gate of a Japanese castle.
The length and width are very comfortable for 1 or 2 people and the 45mm plank thickness (compared to the normal 33mm) makes a bold statement. We usually use “beefy” planks when the clients require a large ofuro but want to avoid the top edge reinforcing frame. An option worth 1,200-1,500 USD alone!
Last but not least, the pattern of the knots as you can see is very well balanced on both sides. A bolder accent in the center (like a constellation) on one side and a more subtle harmony of knots on the other side. We applied the copper apron on both sides so you are free to choose how to orient it.

I am realizing that my writing ability today is overwhelmed by the multiple outstanding features. It is like trying to use all my muscles to push through the inexpugnable castle gate. I think this ofuro even more than the others cannot be explained with rational means. It definitely belongs to the realm of the emotions, with its stronger than average hinoki aroma (due to the knots), the thick walls and the organic pattern of the wood grain.
Yes, I am sure that absorbing this primitive strength from the fibers of this tree will provide the owner the power to break through the sturdiest castle gate!
(oh- I think I went a little too far…)

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Wabi sabi – outlet tub – SOLD OUT

(sorry, sold out…)

In traditional Japanese aesthetics, wabi-sabi is a world view centered on the acceptance of transience and imperfection. The aesthetic is sometimes described as one of appreciating beauty that is “imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete” in nature (from Wikipedia)

This ofuro has been infused with love by our carpenter. But even the best can make a mistake sometimes (if you want to call it a mistake).

It happened to this beautiful ofuro.
…What do you mean? …Where is the mistake?
Actually, I am sure that nobody would be able to spot it even examining it from close by.
But, there is a small mistake in the sizes. The backrest is slanted but is also slightly tilted as there is a 15mm difference on the bottom comparing the front and the back.
Of course, we guarantee that this irregularity does not affect in any way the structural stability or water tightness. Also aesthetically it is difficult to spot, as the top rim joint is symmetrical. See the drawing extract below.

But this cloud definitely has a silver lining: If you choose this wabi-sabi outlet tub, you will also receive a special BONUS!
★ BONUS: order this outlet tub and receive as a present a Japanese bathroom accessories set C! (you can choose any stool you want, traditional, traditional large or minimalist) https://bartokdesign.com/product/set-c-1-ladle-whandle-1-large-bucket-1-stool

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Princess Sawara’s twin – outlet tub – SOLD OUT

(sorry, sold out…)

Well, the Princess Sawara outlet tub has been sold. But as we had several requests for the same princess… so at the same time, we decided to build another one…
Same material, same sizes, an identical twin to the previous outlet tub!

We do not have anymore sawara material in stock for an outlet tub so if you missed the first one, this is the last chance…

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Princess Sawara – outlet tub – SOLD OUT

(sorry, sold out… but its twin is available here↓ )
https://bartokdesign.com/8-outlet-tubs/princess-sawara-twin-outlet-tub.php

Sawara is a close cousin of hinoki and is commonly called japanese cypress tree because of its slightly orangeish color (it reminds of cherry wood). Soft, light and feminine, it is definitely the “princess” of japanese conifers.

Lightweight and compact, this ofuro does not require a plywood box for the shipping making it possible to cut both on the costs of packaging and shipping.

We still have other material of this beautiful lot, so if you need a custom size in Sawara go ahead and contact us (we do not have thick material to make top border frames, so it needs to be a compact size that can be build with simple plank construction.

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0 size – outlet tub – SOLD OUT

(sorry, sold out)

As the famous movie title goes “Some like it hot”.
Some like it “large”, some like it “small”.
At Bartok design we produce custom made ofuros without the “custom made” option cost!
Said that our most convenient deals are of course in the “outlet tub” corner.
Immaculate brand new, never used ofuros either resulting from clients changing their mind or produced in between orders thus optimizing the costs beyond the reasonable.

In the case of outlet ofuros, of course, you cannot change the size but who knows: sometimes the perfect match comes as a gift from the destiny!

Some like it curvy like Sofia Loren who stated: “everything you see I owe it to pasta”. Some like it minimal like Kate Moss and the contrast between the minuteness of her body and the depth of her eyes.

This outlet tub is definitely the Kate Moss type. It uses the most refined hinoki lumber, has a very compact size but is deep inside: offering a perfect comfort even in a tiny bathroom space. The quintessential 0 size!

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Sweet and Compact – outlet tub – (sold out)

(sorry, sold out)

A part for its sweet aroma and for the options (removable bench, traditional cover) probably the most notable feature of this tub is to be compact.
With a height of 580mm, if you turn it sideways you can even make it pass trough a 600mm opening!

So, for all of you who gave up installing an ofuro for dimensional problems, take out your measuring tape…and check again!

This tub was order-made for a client. Then the client had to change dimensions and we made a new one.
This outlet tub is sold at 80% of its value. Also considering the included options (removable bench, traditional cover) it looks like a deal too good to believe!

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Timeless standard – outlet tub – SOLD OUT

(sorry, sold out)

Here we are dazzled by new emperor-era names, displaced by an uncommonly cold and rainy springtime and preparing for an extra long (but already fully booked) Golden Week holiday break.
In these periods I recommend to lay back and wait for the confusion to clear.
Maybe you can have a cup of hoji-tea and listen to some old time classics like Frank Sinatra or Billie Holiday.
Timeless standards can reassure us that also this storm will pass, after all, and every winter (no matter how long or cold) always evolves into a springtime…

But if you try all of the above and the melancholy is still there, we have another “timeless standard” to propose as an infallible antidote to a bad day: a hot ofuro bath!

If you do not have one yet, look at this outlet ofuro tub.
Its outstanding feature is … to be not outstanding: it is a “timeless standard”.
Good for 2 people, in hinoki wood (not asnaro) and with a removable internal seat (already included in the price).
This is probably in the strike zone of 90% of the people who are looking for an ofuro.
2 people / hinoki / internal seat.
The only non standard part of this ofuro is the price: 650,000 JPY !!

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outlet tub with bench – sold out –

sorry, sold out!

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The sawara wood bathtubs trend continues with another fine grain tub made with the gentle orange cypress.
See the previous outlet tubs on the explanation why sawara is a trend.

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sawara blossom… – outlet tub – sold out –

sorry, sold out!

IMGP0671There is one characteristic in common among out last three outlet tubs: they are all made with sawara wood.
In this period (of course it is not the season, is more of a market trend) there is a lot of sawara on the market. Some of our suppliers offer nice and cheap lots of sawara. Some other lumberyards in our network decide to put the world “end” to their secular business and get rid (slowly but constantly) of their stock. Again more and more premium sawara wood lining up in our warehouse. (more…)

miracle for two – outlet tub – sold out –

sorry, sold out!

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Sawara is becoming a very popular material also among the japan lover expats community because of its warm cherry like color and reasonable price.

This outlet tub is round (there is a small eccentricity of 10mm) and is suitable for 2 …intimate… people.
The outlet tub is unbranded at the moment and you can indicate if you want us to apply the bartok design iron brand and the preferred location.

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(↑ photo of the back side: note the end of the metal straps is hooked into the wood. This is the same traditional detail as the kadomaru tubs.)

Here are the specs:
dimensions: Dia 900mm (+/- 5mm) x H740mm (external dimensions) 630mm(depth)
material: knotless natural Sawara wood
drawing: outlet180215-sketch


quotation:
1) AB grade tub (quatersawn) : 295,000. JPY
2) Packaging: 110x110x94cm plywood box: 36,000. JPY
3) transportation: to be quoted (please let us know your exact address: we will provide a quotation before you purchase the tub)

Please contact us at japan *at* bartokdesign.com with any question you may have + indication of your address.

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