Matsumoto Kagu

Built to last

Matsumoto Kagu uses solid wood such as zelkova, mizume and birch, worked in fine detail and put together with traditional joinery. Careful work goes even into parts nobody sees, so the furniture is extremely sturdy. A fuki-urushi finish of rubbed lacquer brings out the grain and warmth of the wood. It is made in Matsumoto, Shiojiri, Azumino and Kiso village in Nagano as chests, display shelves and low tables.

One maker, start to finish

A single craftsman builds each piece by hand from start to finish. Many traditional joints are used, including the shachi-dome, one of the most advanced in Japanese woodworking. The finish is fuki-urushi: lacquer is applied and wiped more than ten times, building depth and beauty.

Castle town furniture

Matsumoto Kagu began as one of the trades of the castle town that formed in Matsumoto in the late 16th century. From the late Edo period it was made as furniture for ordinary homes, at first chests, tea cabinets and tables for the town and nearby. As transport improved it was sold more widely, and Matsumoto became known across Japan for furniture.