Kamo Paulowina Chests

It seems that the making of Kamo paulownia chests began with one made by a carpenter in the early part of the 19th century. The very same chest is still being used in the city of Kamo today and it is inscribed on the back with "Purchased 1814". In 1928 the yashatoso--a type of finishing varnish--was developed and the present design and style of the Kamo paulownia chest was completed. Nowadays, 70% of all paulownia chest made in Japan come from Kamo and are shipped all over the county.

Paulownia is a light colored wood with a sheen, a real sense of quality and a beauty that is likened to silk. The light colored quarter-saw boards of these chests look as though they have been lightly streaked with brown and the gain of this timber has a beauty unmatched by any other furniture. With perfectly fitting draws, they open and close easily, protect their contents from extremes of temperature, and offer long lasting projection. There are now 45 firms manufacturing a variety of different chests, with 42 government recognized Master Craftsmen among the total of 398 people employed in the making of one of Japan's most famous articles of furniture.