Butter Box - Black Walnut

Ryuji Mitani

• Introduction

  I am a Black Walnut Butter Box. Born from a question about messy butter, I turned critique into craftsmanship. Half practical, half poetic. I keep mornings smooth.

   

• Curator's Notes 

  When Ryuji Mitani first read Juzo Itami’s Women! as a high school student, one line stuck with him: “Why haven’t we designed a container that won’t make a mess of butter?” He looked into his own refrigerator and saw the problem firsthand — a greasy, cloudy butter case that felt like an afterthought.

  Years later, as a woodworker, he finally answered that challenge with this Butter Box. It’s simple and very functional, shaped from black walnut with a snug-fitting lid and interior butter knife for spreading. Half a pound of butter fits perfectly inside, and the surface wipes clean with ease.

  What I love most is how it came from something as ordinary as a moment in front of the fridge and a passing thought about life to become one of Mitani’s most enduring designs. It’s a reminder that even the smallest frustrations can lead to objects that improve our lives every day. Previously made in cherry, we love the new walnut version version and the contrast it provides against creamy butter.

   

  Black Walnut Butter Box was curated by Stevenson Aung

   

• Designer/Maker 

   

  Maker: Ryuji Mitani

   

  Designer: Ryuji Mitani

   

• Specifications

   

  Dimensions: 

  3.3” (w) x 5.8” (l) x 2.0” (h) or 84mm (w) x 147mm (l) x 51mm (h)

   

  Weight: 

  8 oz or 230 g

   

  Materials: Black Walnut, Oil Finish

   

• Details
  • Handcrafted in Matsumoto, Japan
    
  • Original design created by Ryuji Mitani in 1983
    
  • Includes a butter spreader that rests in a notch inside the box 
    
  • Can hold up to half a pound of butter
  • Do not soak the piece in water for prolonged periods
    
  • Wash with a soft sponge and mild dish soap
    
  • Rinse with warm water
    
  • Wipe with a cloth and dry well
    
  • Each piece is unique and will have variations
    
  • This piece is predominantly used to serve and store butter
    
  • Can be stored in the refrigerator
• Return Policy
  Returns or Exchanges may be done within 14 days from purchase date. We kindly ask that all valid returns must be in unused condition with attached tags and packaging. Nalata Nalata will not accept any returned merchandise without prior written communication and valid Return Authorization Number. Upon inspection and approval, Exchange or Store Credit will be provided, No Refunds. All sale items and discounted merchandise are Final Sale and cannot be returned. Read More