Also in this case, the client contacted us in july and confirmed the order in november.
If you pardon me the obviousness, july is a hot season… for hot tubs!
It is a very poetic, very clean round tub. We often use sawara wood for barrel construction ofuro but the client was sure about choosing hinoki!
Click on more to see more pictures and updates (->about the the round cover) (more…)
The “hinoki aroma cards” campaign had a slow start but is picking up and I am now hoping we can reach the goal! See -> https://igg.me/at/hinoki-aroma-cards
We are 37% funded but have only one week left… Please spread the word!
Here below I am reporting a mail exchange I had with a fellow “japanese lover” who kindly replied to my newsletter. I think that many people feel uneasy about “crowdfunding” all together. I would like to hear everybody`s opinion about!
Question:
Hello Iacopo,
You are a very busy man….
I see your mails I see the info but I am not understanding what you are
doing?
You need venture capital for the new aroma cards from what I understand.
What market is there for the cards ? Where I am based in *****, I do
not see one, Therefore I would like to know more.
Please give me a short 1 paragraph of what you envisage.
Thanks for response when you can.
Kind regards,
*****
My answer:
Dear *****,
Thank you for your interest.
Crowdfunding is a new (not so new anymore…) system.
It is not only for raising capital. I am doing this project on indiegogo mainly for 4 reasons:
1) it helps me to promote the project (and my brand) thru social media and newsfeeds. Promoting a “product” may feel pushy but promoting a “project” is more interesting and creates involvement.
2) it helps me to study the market needs. By developing a product thru the advice and ideas of the end users, I end up with a more evolved and better targeted product.
3) if I get the campaign funded, the product itself will be more convincing as it could win the heart and obtain the commitment from many people.
4) ultimately, it helps me to broaden my avatar. I am devoted in helping the traditional crafts (not with donations, but with a new market for their skills) + I believe our society needs a more human and sensorial culture.
My activity in the production of wooden bathtubs helps me progress in both missions. But japanese crafts is not only ofuro bathtubs and I am interested in exploring new markets.
What are the differences between Japanese ofuro and tubs made in the U.S.?
Here are the 3 main differences between US-made tubs and real japanese tubs which make the two products difficult to compare. 1a) almost all US made tubs are coated with urethane. The look is natural but may feel a little cold and hard (like plastic) and have no aroma. 1b) Japanese made tubs are un-coated. You can feel the warmth, aroma and soft touch of wood but if the environment is too humid they may develop mold stains.
2a) US made tubs are assembled as a cabinet (see the corner mitered joint) and often made of finger joint glue-laminated wood. 2b) Japanese tubs are and are built like a boat and are made of solid wide lumber laminated with dowels
3a) US made tubs are made in red cedar, hard woods (like teak) or Port Orford Cedar (most of the makers call it hinoki – but it is not.) Please note that hinoki usable as construction material grows in Japan and Taiwan only. 3b) Japanese tubs are made with japanese softwoods (hinoki, asnaro, sawara, koyamaki). For flooring or wainscoting we use man planted lumber while for making tubs we use exclusively 250-300 year old trees lumber from primary forests.
Well seasoned wood is very stable but in extreme conditions of dryness it may warp or crack.
On this page you will find some of the commonly used terms and descriptions to help you finalise your ofuro order.1 – PLANK EDGE
The 42mm thick hinoki slabs are joined in such a way that the more permeable head of the plank is completely protected.2 – KAMACHI (BORDER) EDGE
For tubs wider than 800mm, it is necessary to strenghten the top with a 60mm thick frame (kamachi).
3 – COPPER APRON
Traditionally a copper apron is applied on the bottom to protect the side of the bottom plank. It has 2 functions:
avoid water to penetrate the wood perpendicular to the grain
the copper oxyde has a fungicidal action.
4 – NO APRON
For a lighter, more natural look we can treat the bottom plank head with natural oil by Kreidezeit. In modern bathrooms this area is not so severely exposed to rot like it used to be in ofuro of the past.
At Bartok design, we specialize in the design and manufacture of genuine Japanese soaking tubs, ofuro – made in Japan by our trusted craftsmen from sustainably harvested indigenous Japanese wood. For almost twenty years we have exported our tubs to residential homes, individuals and architects, as well as to commercial properties such as spas and hotels. We look forward to designing an ofuro tub for you.
All of our ofuro are custom-made and made to order. Use the inquiry form to contact us, email us or message us through Facebook. Links are at the bottom of the page. We speak English, Japanese and Italian.
We have two standard tubs which we try to keep in stock. If you need an ofuro in a hurry, these are your best option with a choice of just two sizes. Check the specifications here.
A master bedroom to die for, Bartok design ofuro Freestanding Tub, Capetown
A BATHROOM WITH A VIEW:
there is only one way to wash away the stress
and toxins of our technological world:
going back to simplicity.
Our recipe for full relaxation and well being is
ONE BATH A DAY: as long as you do it surrounded
by natural materials, in an aromatic mist of fresh
fragrances and healing oils.
Simple is Heaven for body and mind. hinoki bath tub and accessories ready for shipping ->
THE SMALLEST ROOM IN THE HOUSE
You might enjoy a big car or spacious home: you will be surprised how pleasing can be to spend hours in a 3 square meter room (30 s.f.). Even in a very compact 160x160cm (5’x5′) bath-unit, where you can be completely surrounded by nature and soothing natural scents is enough to make the most of your relaxing time. You might read a book while soaking in the warm water or just enjoy a serene landscape out of the window, you will come out rejuvenated, relaxed, healed. No doubt about it. You find it difficult to imagine? Please take a look at our introductory page.
This miracle is called hinoki bath. We work with multiple craftsmen in Japan who are producing hinoki bath-tubs for generations.
They are built with care, professionality and passion. And they are more affordable than the products offered by larger factories, loaded by sales commissions and promotional costs.
The main differences in using a craftsman are: your bath-tub will be handmade, custom as per your specification, using the best quality material. And it will be cheaper than industrial
ones. Bartok design offers you this option that is not normally on the market and definitely not available to overseas customers.
But you will need to make some choices. Scrolling down the page, you will be able to consider:
The resulting bathtub is the one that matches your needs and taste.
Please submit us the quotation form so we can prepare a personalized cost estimate without any obligation from your side. Let`s start:
The planks have knots. This does not affect the performance of the product and is more affordable costwise. Knotty wood is also believed to contain more aromatic oils. When the bathtub is skillfully assembled considering the pattern of the knots, it reinforces the confortable "woody" atmosphere.
YUTORI
The trunk is cut diagonally to avoid knots.The planks exhibit the long, elegant, pure grain of hinoki without imperfections. This cut is the most appreciated in Japan even though the subtle grain becomes more difficult to perceive with the passing of years.
SUEOKI type
The bathtub is positioned on the floor in such a way that the wooden front is exposed. This solution is preferred when also the walls are finished in wood or just to enhance the elegant simplicity of the space. See the details for more info.
UMEKOMI type
The bathtub is recessed and it is mostly visible the inside rather than the outside. This solution may be slightly and limits the cleaning and maintenance to the interior surface. See the details for more info.
CUSTOM type
Any size, from family to pool type. Any shape including round, oval, poligonal etc.
For your reference, common sizes(*) are:
(see also the standard tub sizes pricelist)
We can build any size as per your specification at no extra cost, please inquire.
S1) 0900L x 0700W x 690H
S2) 1000L x 0700W x 690H
S3) 1100L x 0700W x 690H
S4) 1200L x 0750W x 660H
S5) 1300L x 0750W x 660H
M6) 1400L x 0750W x 666H
M7) 1500L x 0750W x 616H
L8) 1800L x 1000W x 616H
R9) 1400φ x 750H
(*) sizes (mm) are external
To inquire about your custom-made ofuro please fill out the contact form below or email us.
interviews and opinions about the Shu-Ha-Ri Kimono belts!
video to address some common questions about japanese bathtubs and a quick walkthrough about the functionality of the homepage
presentation video for the “kimono bottle covers”, a unique gift idea to make an impact next time you visit a friend for a house party!
Our team recently visited the historic city of Kameoka, just west of Kyoto. The area is distinctly rural with a lot of grand old farmhouses from a century ago still standing.
We were accompanied by Rica Bradshaw, premier real estate agent working mainly in Kobe and Kyoto (bilingual English & Japanese speaker).
Christian Cambi shows us around Bishamon House a bed and breakfast in Kameoka, Kyoto – in a 100 year old restored kominka Japanese house.
Iacopo chats to BnB owner in Kameoka, Kyoto, Christian Cambi
Older videos
pocket onsen “GYO”
GYO means “line” in Japanese. Following the success of the previous 2014 “pocket onsen”, the GYO version is even more minimal, simple, stylish. Three hinoki wood orbs are stored in line together with a vial of hinoki aroma oil in a traditional paulownia wood box. Open the tight wooden box, draw out the hinoki orbs and apply few drops of hinoki essential oil. Once you drop them in hot water you will feel as you have been teleported into a Japanese onsen…! (hot springs) VIEW THE RANGE HERE
testimonials slideshow 2018
Simple slide show used for booth at the ISPA show in Phoenix in 2018
daybed “SU”
day-bed (chaise-longue) hand crafted in japan, using hinoki and keyaki wood and no metal parts. The size is the same as a Kyoto style tatami mat (1910 x 855mm) and the mattress finished with top grain calf leather. Sleek used as a sofa, extremely comfortable when used as a bed, it is a very versatile item for the home or office.
making of the day-bed
slide show depicting the phases of the making of the “SU~” day bed. frame made with japanese wood hinoki and keyaki.The mattress is in top grain leather hand stitched. For more information: https://igg.me/at/SU-DAY-BED
SU~ DAY BED – design talk
discussion with the craftsman Kitajima-san about the daybed to be constructed for the indiegogo crowdfunding campaign: https://igg.me/at/SU-DAY-BED
aroma cards
Hinoki aroma cards are made of two layers of real japanese wood veneer (0.2mm) sandwiched on a thin “washi” rice paper. The size is about 60x100mm (like a business card). The cards carry embossed a short japanese poem or a motivational message. I love these cards. I always keep one in my wallet, to rub it and smell it when I feel down or need to focus and take a decision.
“pocket onsen” by bartokdesign
In this video I explain the purpose of my Indiegogo campaign. I have been exporting japanese wooden bathtubs for over 10 years. With this project I aim at creating an opportunity for the wider public to experience the relaxing aroma and curative properties of hinoki. In broader scope of this project is to contribute to diffuse the “ofuro” culture. Soaking in hot water is purifying and energizing. There is no point in being strong and cool if you are not clean. This is the message I would like you to experience with your 5 senses and … with the help of hinoki wood.
making of japanese ofuro bathtubs
This unique video shows in detail how a japanese wooden bathtub is made and the details that make it waterproof without the use of sealers or other chemicals. Bartok design tubs are made by skilled carpenters among whom is 3rd generation ofuro craftsman Mr. Wada and his son (they only make ofuros, no other carpentry work)
last days of fujisawa tea-house
This beautiful japanese teahouse is going to be demolished and the owner is giving the building and garden items for free if somebody wants to adopt it. Do you want to own a japanese house in pristine conditions which was used as a tea ceremony school for the past 20 years? This is the right occasion. The building with all the accessories is available for free!
Hinoki Wood Ofuro From Japan
Hinoki wood ofuros made in Japan. Watch how it all comes together and how you can have one in your very own home! The bathtubs are handmade to perfection with the finest quality wood from the Kiso valley. Bring a little bit of Japan to your home. Relax, refresh, and enjoy!
My kabuki experiences
For those of you with additional interests in Japan, we have prepared a short video of how I was invited to perform with a village kabuki group. Kabuki is a stylized Japanese drama that includes dance, best recognized by the ghost-like white make-up that the actors apply. Click here to read more about Kabuki on wikipedia. Village Kabuki is a non-professional version of Kabuki that were and still are community events in the more rural parts of Japan. I have been performing for 10 years now and it is wonderful to be part of a fading tradition in Japan. Please enjoy!
An Italian In Kabuki Part II: Nango Rikimaru
Please enjoy the second video in my kabuki experiences series. This video is a short run through of where this wonderful opportunity has taken me.
Kiso Valley: The Heartland of Hinoki Wood
A brief home-made video to a small ryokan in the Kiso valley where we installed an ofuro. Natsukashii!
asnaro bathtub, spout and bathroom accessories by Bartokdesign. see the specs here:
Click on more to see more pictures and updates (->about the the round cover)
