September 2024

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[Teshigoto Forum's Japanese Handwork Calendar has been added]

Teshigoto Forum's Japanese Handwork Calendar, which has been receiving a lot of good reviews every year, is made by printing the stencil dyeing made by Mr. Koichi Odanaka and featuring the handwork in Japan.

The simple, beautiful, and warm design reflects Mr. Odanaka's character, the sense of beauty that he has acquired under Mr. Keisuke Serizawa, a craftsman of dye works who's also recognized as the Living National Treasure, as well as the techniques he has inherited from his long-established dyer.

Not only could it be used as a greeting gift, but it could also be delivered along with a letter inside an envelope. Quantities are limited, so please consider purchasing as soon as possible.

Teshigoto Forum's Japanese Handwork Calendar
https://www.shokunin.com/en/teshigoto/calendar.html

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[The Art of Bookends: A Touch of Elegance for Your Bookshelf]

When you line up your favorite books on the bookshelf and gaze at their spines, you might feel that your bookshelf is a unique space reflecting the evolution of your thoughts and the significant moments of your life. You select, collect, and read these books, some multiple times, and others not at all. Imagine how much more fulfilling it would be to have a beautiful bookend capping off that line of cherished volumes.

While the traditional bookends we're familiar with are typically made from a single sheet of metal, cut and shaped into an L-shape, their invention dates back to the 1870s outside Japan. Today, bookends are not only functional but also serve as decorative elements, crafted from a variety of materials such as bronze, marble, and wood. Choosing a bookend that complements the atmosphere of your room and the types of books you own can enhance your reading space even further.

At Shokunin.com, we offer two distinctive types of bookends:

Futagami's bookends are made from brass and feature a beautifully cast surface. Initially, the bookends have a bright, polished appearance, but over time, they develop a matte patina, adding character to their aesthetic. To ensure they don't scratch or damage any surfaces, the bottoms are covered with felt.

Rikucho Ogasawara's bookends, on the other hand, take on the form of contemporary art. Their stately black finish brings a sense of vitality to any room. These versatile pieces not only serve as functional bookends but can also be displayed as objets d'art or used as door stoppers, allowing you to enjoy them in multiple ways.

These exquisite bookends, crafted by Japanese artisans, will provide understated elegance and support for your most treasured reading moments.

Futagami's Bookend
https://www.shokunin.com/en/futagami/bookend.html
Rikucho Ogasawara's Bookends
https://www.shokunin.com/en/rikucho/bookends.html

Reference
https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%96%E3%83%83%E3%82%AF%E3%82%A8%E3%83%B3%E3%83%89

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On the second day of our business trip to Otaru, we ate the Otaru specialties recommended by the staff in the morning. Pan-roll at Kamaei and Double Fromage at LeTAO were so good that we wanted to eat them repeatedly. There are still many places in Otaru that we don't know.

Both shops are within walking distance from the Otaru Showroom (less than 10 minutes).

Kamaei's Pan-Roll
https://en.shokunin.com/archives/51064495.html
LeTAO's Double Fromage
https://en.shokunin.com/archives/48011591.html
Otaru Showroom
https://www.shokunin.com/en/showroom/otaru.html