Oku Hinoki Board with Knife
$55.00
Description:
The Oku Board with Knife is a handcrafted set designed by Scottish artist Kathleen Reilly and produced in the renowned metalworking region of Tsubame-Sanjo, Japan.
The board is made from sustainably sourced Japanese hinoki (cypress), finished with a protective coating that preserves the wood while maintaining its light tone and fine, even grain. Carefully arranged strips emphasize the natural variation of the material, forming a subtle visual rhythm that feels deliberate without becoming decorative. Hinoki, long valued in Japanese kitchen culture, is known for its soft resilience and gentle fragrance, here adapted into a durable surface through its protective finish while retaining its natural clarity and character.
The accompanying knife is designed specifically for butter. Forged in Tsubame-Sanjo using traditional metalworking techniques, it features a distinctive folded-metal handle that gives it a sculptural presence in hand. Shaped for smooth spreading and control, it balances utility with a refined, tactile feel that complements the simplicity of the board.
When not in use, the knife rests neatly along the side of the board, secured in place with a simple elastic band. This understated detail keeps the set unified as a single object, emphasizing portability, clarity, and a cohesive design logic.
Measurements:
6.75 in L x 3.9 in W x .5 in H
Variation:
Due to the handmade nature of this item, each bowl is unique. Although they are close in appearance to the bowl shown in the photo, there are variations in color and size and the plate you receive may not be the exact plate in the photo shown.
History:
The Oku Board with Knife is a collaboration between Scottish artist and metalsmith Kathleen Reilly and craftspeople in Tsubame-Sanjo, Niigata, an area renowned for its metalworking heritage. Reilly’s interest in the region grew after seeing the Biology of Metal: Metal Craftsmanship in Tsubame-Sanjo exhibition at Japan House London in 2018, and was later deepened through a Daiwa Scholarship from the Daiwa-Anglo Japanese Foundation, which allowed her to live in Tsubame-Sanjo and train within a traditional cutlery factory.
The Oku Board with Knife is a handcrafted set designed by Scottish artist Kathleen Reilly and produced in the renowned metalworking region of Tsubame-Sanjo, Japan.
The board is made from sustainably sourced Japanese hinoki (cypress), finished with a protective coating that preserves the wood while maintaining its light tone and fine, even grain. Carefully arranged strips emphasize the natural variation of the material, forming a subtle visual rhythm that feels deliberate without becoming decorative. Hinoki, long valued in Japanese kitchen culture, is known for its soft resilience and gentle fragrance, here adapted into a durable surface through its protective finish while retaining its natural clarity and character.
The accompanying knife is designed specifically for butter. Forged in Tsubame-Sanjo using traditional metalworking techniques, it features a distinctive folded-metal handle that gives it a sculptural presence in hand. Shaped for smooth spreading and control, it balances utility with a refined, tactile feel that complements the simplicity of the board.
When not in use, the knife rests neatly along the side of the board, secured in place with a simple elastic band. This understated detail keeps the set unified as a single object, emphasizing portability, clarity, and a cohesive design logic.
Measurements:
6.75 in L x 3.9 in W x .5 in H
Variation:
Due to the handmade nature of this item, each bowl is unique. Although they are close in appearance to the bowl shown in the photo, there are variations in color and size and the plate you receive may not be the exact plate in the photo shown.
History:
The Oku Board with Knife is a collaboration between Scottish artist and metalsmith Kathleen Reilly and craftspeople in Tsubame-Sanjo, Niigata, an area renowned for its metalworking heritage. Reilly’s interest in the region grew after seeing the Biology of Metal: Metal Craftsmanship in Tsubame-Sanjo exhibition at Japan House London in 2018, and was later deepened through a Daiwa Scholarship from the Daiwa-Anglo Japanese Foundation, which allowed her to live in Tsubame-Sanjo and train within a traditional cutlery factory.
Materials:
Hinoki Wood, Stainless Steel, Elastic Band
Care Instructions:
Dishwasher Safe
Hinoki Wood, Stainless Steel, Elastic Band
Care Instructions:
Dishwasher Safe
Returns must be made within 2 weeks in original, unused condition with all packaging for either 1. Store credit for the full amount or 2. Refund - minus a 20% restocking fee. Tortoise does not cover the cost of return shipping or the cost of re-shipping an exchange, and the cost of shipping for returns and exchanges is the responsibility of the customer.