Ryuji Mitani

Ryuji Mitani

Wood for everyday life

Known as a visionary for his introduction of the color white in urushi lacquered woodwares, the Matsumoto-based artisan, Ryuji Mitani has paved the way for a new outlook on traditional woodcrafts. Revered the world over, and with an ardent, long-standing following in Japan, he has redefined the very syntax of his field with his leadership and writings in regards to a post-Mingei lifestyle crafts movement called Seikatsu Kogei. As a result he has inspired an entire generation of artisans in his pursuits of blurring established boundaries in his field.

Noir Chestnut Wood Vat (OUT OF STOCK)
Noir Chestnut Wood Vat (OUT OF STOCK)

Noir Chestnut Wood Vat (OUT OF STOCK)

Ryuji Mitani

I am a Noir Chestnut Wood Vat. My shape is inspired by a large vat found in dark rooms for photography. I guess you can say that makes me picture perfect.  

$1,450
Find Out More
Jewelry Box
Jewelry Box

Jewelry Box

Ryuji Mitani

I am a Jewelry Box. X marks the spot for treasure, but here a circle marks it instead.  

$330
Find Out More
Usuzumi Thin Lid Box (OUT OF STOCK)
Usuzumi Thin Lid Box (OUT OF STOCK)

Usuzumi Thin Lid Box (OUT OF STOCK)

Ryuji Mitani

I am an Usuzumi Thin Lid Box. Drawn in by the warmth of the wood grain, open me to find a dark surprise. What starry treasures will you find to put within me...  

$550
Find Out More
Usuzumi Black Walnut Bowl (OUT OF STOCK)
Usuzumi Black Walnut Bowl (OUT OF STOCK)

Usuzumi Black Walnut Bowl (OUT OF STOCK)

Ryuji Mitani

I am a Black Walnut Bowl. My wood is a rare choice for Mitani-san, making me a rare find. Anything put within me will surely shine.  

$875
Find Out More
Usuzumi Round Tray - Oak
Usuzumi Round Tray - Oak

Usuzumi Round Tray - Oak

Ryuji Mitani

I am an Usuzumi Round Oak Tray. It doesn't take an all-seeing eye to know how much work went into my creation. It'll take just one meal for you to observe my glory.  

$920
Find Out More
White Urushi Noodle or Soup Bowl (OUT OF STOCK)
White Urushi Noodle or Soup Bowl (OUT OF STOCK)

White Urushi Noodle or Soup Bowl (OUT OF STOCK)

Ryuji Mitani

I am a White Urushi Noodle or Soup Bowl. A bit of flare can add many facets to your standard soup to make a hearty bowl extra heartwarming.  

$1,100
Find Out More
Hexagonal White Urushi Sake Cup (OUT OF STOCK)
Hexagonal White Urushi Sake Cup (OUT OF STOCK)

Hexagonal White Urushi Sake Cup (OUT OF STOCK)

Ryuji Mitani

I am a Hexagonal White Urushi Sake Cup. Pick me up to learn about all six sides of my personality. It'll take a few sips for everything to sake in.  

$485
Find Out More
Large White Urushi Walnut Carved Bowl (OUT OF STOCK)
Large White Urushi Walnut Carved Bowl (OUT OF STOCK)

Large White Urushi Walnut Carved Bowl (OUT OF STOCK)

Ryuji Mitani

I am a Large White Urushi Walnut Carved Bowl. The depth of my soul may be a vast empty space, but what makes me complete is what you decide to do with me.  

$2,850
Find Out More
Japanese Walnut Long Tray - Nano Glass Finish
Japanese Walnut Long Tray - Nano Glass Finish

Japanese Walnut Long Tray - Nano Glass Finish

Ryuji Mitani

I am a Long Walnut Nano Glass Coated Tray. The branch of science may sound like my forte, but the branch of walnut is more my core.  

$755
Find Out More
White Urushi Confectionary Platter
White Urushi Confectionary Platter

White Urushi Confectionary Platter

Ryuji Mitani

I am a White Urushi Confectionary Platter. Which sweets will take the spotlight on my surface after the grand applause? It's your choice of what is on center stage.  

$625
Find Out More
Small Shallow Usuzumi Oval Bowl
Small Shallow Usuzumi Oval Bowl

Small Shallow Usuzumi Oval Bowl

Ryuji Mitani

I am a Small Shallow Usuzumi Oval Bowl. What food am I going to sail away with? Come on a voyage to find out.  

$390
Find Out More
White Urushi Baby Bowl Set
White Urushi Baby Bowl Set

White Urushi Baby Bowl Set

Ryuji Mitani

I am a White Urushi Baby Bowl Set. A baby's first bite is a big deal. So am I.  

$925
Find Out More
Usuzumi Square Plate - Chestnut Wood
Usuzumi Square Plate - Chestnut Wood

Usuzumi Square Plate - Chestnut Wood

Ryuji Mitani

I am a Usuzumi Chestnut Plate. Which is more hypnotizing: me or the food that I hold?  

$895
Find Out More
Crafts, and Then
Crafts, and Then

Crafts, and Then

Ryuji Mitani

I am the book Crafts, and Then. Come explore with me across materials and methods to understand Ryuji Mitani's life philosophies. Just as a plate fills you with food, my pages will fill your soul.  

$28
Find Out More
Walnut Coffee Spoon
Walnut Coffee Spoon

Walnut Coffee Spoon

Ryuji Mitani

I am a Walnut Coffee Spoon. A fine, dark grain is my jam, but dunk me in java and I'll show you how to jive.  

$42
Find Out More
Urushi Funnel - Small (OUT OF STOCK)
Urushi Funnel - Small (OUT OF STOCK)

Urushi Funnel - Small (OUT OF STOCK)

Ryuji Mitani

I am a Small Urushi Funnel. It might look confining but be like water and you will find a way through it.  

$310
Find Out More
Urushi Funnel - Large (OUT OF STOCK)
Urushi Funnel - Large (OUT OF STOCK)

Urushi Funnel - Large (OUT OF STOCK)

Ryuji Mitani

I am a Large Urushi Funnel. Fluidity is key to finding a good flow at the end of the tunnel.  

$385
Find Out More
Ice Cream Cup - Natural
Ice Cream Cup - Natural

Ice Cream Cup - Natural

Ryuji Mitani for Nalata Nalata

I am a Natural Wood Ice Cream Cup. These tree rings tell time and they're saying it's ice cream time.  

$320
Find Out More
Ice Cream Cup - Noir Urushi
Ice Cream Cup - Noir Urushi

Ice Cream Cup - Noir Urushi

Ryuji Mitani for Nalata Nalata

I am a Noir Urushi Ice Cream Cup. Some might say I'm rather mysterious - dark as the night and cool like ice, but took a closer look, I've got the warmth of wood at my core.  

$375
Find Out More
Ice Cream Cup - White Urushi
Ice Cream Cup - White Urushi

Ice Cream Cup - White Urushi

Ryuji Mitani for Nalata Nalata

  I am a White Urushi Ice Cream Cup. Two scoops, hot fudge and two cherries on top will cheer you right up!  

$425
Find Out More
Ice Cream Spoon
Ice Cream Spoon

Ice Cream Spoon

Ryuji Mitani

I am an Ice Cream Spoon. When it comes to ice cream I just can’t stop. You’d better keep an eye on me or I’ll scoop the cherry on top!

$40
Find Out More
Butter Box (OUT OF STOCK)
Butter Box (OUT OF STOCK)

Butter Box (OUT OF STOCK)

Ryuji Mitani

I am a Butter Box. Butter be safe than sorry about how you serve and spread.  

$240
Find Out More
Usuzumi Small Square Plate
Usuzumi Small Square Plate

Usuzumi Small Square Plate

Ryuji Mitani

I am a Usuzumi Square Plate. What looks like hazy smoke is layers of brush strokes.  

$420
Find Out More
White Urushi Shinogi Pitcher
White Urushi Shinogi Pitcher

White Urushi Shinogi Pitcher

Ryuji Mitani

I am a White Urushi Shinogi Pitcher. Marked with ridges of narrow carved bands, I'll help you get a grip when you pour from out my lip.  

$620
Find Out More
Boat Chasoku (OUT OF STOCK)
Boat Chasoku (OUT OF STOCK)

Boat Chasoku (OUT OF STOCK)

Ryuji Mitani

I am a Boat Chasoku. My bow will dip as I traverse the leafy seas, to meet you on the other shore for tea.  

$480
Find Out More
Plum Blossom Dish
Plum Blossom Dish

Plum Blossom Dish

Ryuji Mitani

I am a Plum Blossom Dish. Blossoming for eternity for your eternal happiness.  

$385
Find Out More
Wooden Baby Spoon
Wooden Baby Spoon

Wooden Baby Spoon

Ryuji Mitani

I am a Wooden Baby Spoon. When it comes to mealtime distractions, I'm not one of them. Just a small spoon cup and handle perfectly carved for tiny mouths.  

$40
Find Out More
Soldier Brooch
Soldier Brooch

Soldier Brooch

Ryuji Mitani

I am a Soldier Brooch. I'm always standing at attention so that you can wear me at ease.  

$125
Find Out More
1981-2021: The Forty Years of Woodcraft Studio
1981-2021: The Forty Years of Woodcraft Studio

1981-2021: The Forty Years of Woodcraft Studio "Mitani"

Ryuji Mitani

I am the book 1981-2021: The Forty Years of Woodcraft Studio "Mitani". After chiseling and carving for so many years, Ryuji Mitani shows us the path he's shaped, of which I'm happy to share.  

$60
Find Out More
Untitled (2019) (OUT OF STOCK)
Untitled (2019) (OUT OF STOCK)

Untitled (2019) (OUT OF STOCK)

Ryuji Mitani

I am an Untitled (2019). With a name like mine, you know there'll be no illusion.  

$1,200
Find Out More
Dog Sculpture
Dog Sculpture

Dog Sculpture

Ryuji Mitani

I am a Dog Sculpture. Keep still in the hot, hard dog-days and they too will pass.  

$1,220
Find Out More
Bird Sculpture (OUT OF STOCK)
Bird Sculpture (OUT OF STOCK)

Bird Sculpture (OUT OF STOCK)

Ryuji Mitani

I am a Bird Sculpture. I would be as happy as a lark to make a perch in your home.  

$1,220
Find Out More
Noir Rimmed Plate (OUT OF STOCK)
Noir Rimmed Plate (OUT OF STOCK)

Noir Rimmed Plate (OUT OF STOCK)

Ryuji Mitani

I am a Noir Rimmed Plate. Looks can be deceiving - when you look at these walls, I’m not as shallow as you think.  

$625
Find Out More
Hakuboku Serving Bowl (OUT OF STOCK)
Hakuboku Serving Bowl (OUT OF STOCK)

Hakuboku Serving Bowl (OUT OF STOCK)

Ryuji Mitani

I am a Hakuboku Serving Bowl. Hot or cold, silent or bold - I look forward to what I can hold.  

$1,100
Find Out More
Jindainire Long Vat (OUT OF STOCK)
Jindainire Long Vat (OUT OF STOCK)

Jindainire Long Vat (OUT OF STOCK)

Ryuji Mitani

I am a Jindainire Long Vat. My depth is as deep as my origins.  

$520
Find Out More
Wood and Enamel Salt Cellar (OUT OF STOCK)
Wood and Enamel Salt Cellar (OUT OF STOCK)

Wood and Enamel Salt Cellar (OUT OF STOCK)

Masaki Kanamori for Ryuji Mitani

I am a Wood and Enamel Salt Cellar. When great minds and great materials meld, the result is something as beautiful as me!  

$460
Find Out More
Noir Large Shallow Bowl (OUT OF STOCK)
Noir Large Shallow Bowl (OUT OF STOCK)

Noir Large Shallow Bowl (OUT OF STOCK)

Ryuji Mitani

I am a Noir Large Shallow Bowl. Solid and dependable I will keep your items safe from being lost in a black hole.  

$1,375
Find Out More
Wooden Dinner Spoon
Wooden Dinner Spoon

Wooden Dinner Spoon

Ryuji Mitani

I am a Wooden Dinner Spoon. Can't think of anything better than diving head first into a bowl of soup!  

$65
Find Out More
Hors d’Oeuvre Wooden Fork (OUT OF STOCK)
Hors d’Oeuvre Wooden Fork (OUT OF STOCK)

Hors d’Oeuvre Wooden Fork (OUT OF STOCK)

Ryuji Mitani

I am a Hors d'Oeuvre Wooden Fork. Hey little canapé, time to get tined!

$38
Find Out More
Wooden Salad Servers (OUT OF STOCK)
Wooden Salad Servers (OUT OF STOCK)

Wooden Salad Servers (OUT OF STOCK)

Ryuji Mitani

I am a set of Wooden Salad Servers. I’m not just for salad, I’m pretty multipurpose. As long as I can help, than I’ll be of service.  

$175
Find Out More
Salt Spoon
Salt Spoon

Salt Spoon

Ryuji Mitani

I am a Salt Spoon. I was made for salt, chili, spice and all things nice.  

$28
Find Out More
Salt Bowl (OUT OF STOCK)
Salt Bowl (OUT OF STOCK)

Salt Bowl (OUT OF STOCK)

Ryuji Mitani

I am a Salt Bowl. Don't underestimate the small wooden ones. They can pack a big flavor punch.  

$65
Find Out More
Usuzumi Rimmed Serving Tray (OUT OF STOCK)
Usuzumi Rimmed Serving Tray (OUT OF STOCK)

Usuzumi Rimmed Serving Tray (OUT OF STOCK)

Ryuji Mitani

I am a Usuzumi Rimmed Serving Tray. Sharing means caring so pass the tray.  

$1,350
Find Out More
Wooden Pasta Fork
Wooden Pasta Fork

Wooden Pasta Fork

Ryuji Mitani

I am a Wooden Pasta Fork. I love being wrapped up in a warm noodle sweater.

$65
Find Out More
Flat Tea Scoop
Flat Tea Scoop

Flat Tea Scoop

Ryuji Mitani

I am a Flat Tea Scoop. Swoopin and scoopin into all types of tea.  

$42
Find Out More
Incense Case (OUT OF STOCK)
Incense Case (OUT OF STOCK)

Incense Case (OUT OF STOCK)

Ryuji Mitani

I am a Incense Case. If you carry me, I'll bring good scents to all our adventures.  

$85
Find Out More
Wooden Cheese Knife (OUT OF STOCK)
Wooden Cheese Knife (OUT OF STOCK)

Wooden Cheese Knife (OUT OF STOCK)

Ryuji Mitani

I am a Wooden Cheese Knife. I may be smooth to the touch, but look a little closer and you’ll see that I’m not so clean cut.  

$55
Find Out More
Wooden Honey Spoon (OUT OF STOCK)
Wooden Honey Spoon (OUT OF STOCK)

Wooden Honey Spoon (OUT OF STOCK)

Ryuji Mitani

I am a Wooden Honey Spoon. But not just anyone can call me honey!   

$48
Find Out More
Children's Chair - Spindle Back
Children's Chair - Spindle Back

Children's Chair - Spindle Back

Ryuji Mitani

I am a Spindle Back Children’s Chair. Children like chairs, are easier to build strong than they are to repair when they are older.  

$850
Find Out More
Children's Chair - Ladderback
Children's Chair - Ladderback

Children's Chair - Ladderback

Ryuji Mitani

I am a Ladderback Children’s Chair. Let me love you a little more before you’re not little anymore.  

$850
Find Out More
Hakuboku Coffee Cup (OUT OF STOCK)
Hakuboku Coffee Cup (OUT OF STOCK)

Hakuboku Coffee Cup (OUT OF STOCK)

Ryuji Mitani

I am a Hakuboku Coffee Cup. Wood you like a cup of coffee?  

$450
Find Out More
Jū Cross Plate (OUT OF STOCK)
Jū Cross Plate (OUT OF STOCK)

Jū Cross Plate (OUT OF STOCK)

Ryuji Mitani

I am a Jū Cross Plate. I'm the Japanese character for '10' so naturally that makes me a 10 outta 10 on the plate scale.  

$420
Find Out More
Noir Centerpiece Bowl (OUT OF STOCK)
Noir Centerpiece Bowl (OUT OF STOCK)

Noir Centerpiece Bowl (OUT OF STOCK)

Ryuji Mitani

I am a Noir Centerpiece Bowl. With the depth that I have, I can hold the world for you.  

$3,475
Find Out More