Keiyaki Chair

Solo project
2024

Designed and built by
Hugo Nakashima-Brown

This project examines the perfect surface that can be obtained by only using traditional, shop made tools like the spokeshave (nankin kanna) and compound curve plane (mame ganna). A chair is the perfect object to refine such a finish, where delicate surface texturing responds to the touch. A chair, made for body, is closer to worn apparel than it is to tables or cabinets.

After selecting material, a perfect, mirror like surface can be obtained by a well made, well set-up tool. It is important to look at this work in raking light, so that any surface imperfections can be observed and corrected by changing direction of cut.

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An urushi finish, which gives contact dermatitis when wet, but cures to a food-safe and waterproof finish, shows off the hand planed texture in a way that oil does not.

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Often overlooked in production is the feeling a piece rewards with when raking your fingers across the subtly textured underside.

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