peli Memories of My First Encounter with a Special Wood
Hello, this is Ohara.
It’s been over 40 years since I started woodworking, and one type of wood holds a special place in my heart: mountain cherry
My first encounter with it during my early days as a woodworker left a deep impact on my craft and journey.
Today, I’d like to share the charm of mountain cherry wood and the cherished memories it carries.
Honestly, when it comes to cherry blossoms, mountain cherry seems less glamorous than Somei Yoshino for flower viewing. But it’s great as a material for woodworking, isn’t it?
Somei Yoshino was developed during the Edo period purely for ornamental purposes, so it’s not suitable as timber. Among the cherry species, mountain cherry is the best for woodworking.
Wow, I didn’t know that!
A Life-Changing Encounter During My Training Days
A Beginner’s Bold Choice
My first experience with mountain cherry wood was during my time at a woodworking training school. I visited a timber yard in Narai-juku, Nagano Prefecture, where the young owner showed me various logs. Among them, a mountain cherry log with a reddish-brown hue tinged with pink immediately caught my eye. I just knew—it had to be this one.
But as a beginner, I had neither the knowledge nor experience to properly handle timber. The yard’s owner, concerned about my inexperience, repeatedly advised against buying it. “You’d better not,” he warned me, again and again.
That was a bold move! I imagine the log wasn’t cheap, especially for a student. I don’t think I could’ve taken that risk—after all, you don’t know what’s inside until you cut it open.
I’ve always believed in trusting my instincts when it matters. This was one of those times, and I’m glad I followed my gut. That log turned out to be a great investment.
Eventually, I crafted the log into an “atadai,” a bench used for woodworking tasks. Remarkably, it remains in use today, nearly 40 years later. Its smooth grain, easy tool contact, and perfect weight make it an essential part of my workshop. Though I’ve shaved it down multiple times, reducing its thickness from 60mm to about 45mm, it’s still a trusted companion.
I believe in cherishing and maintaining tools and furniture over time—it’s part of my philosophy.
The Charm of Mountain Cherry as Timber
Natural Beauty in Grain and Color
Mountain cherry, known as “Japanese Cherry” or “Mountain Cherry” in English, is a native Japanese broadleaf tree. Its stunning grain (“Kaenmoku” in Japanese) and unique reddish-pink hue make it highly valued not only in Japan but internationally as well.
I’ve seen pictures of “Kaenmoku” grain before, and it really looks like flames!
Exactly. Whenever I come across that kind of grain, I can’t help but pause and admire it. It’s mesmerizing.
Durability and Workability
Mountain cherry wood strikes a balance between hardness and flexibility, making it an ideal material for woodworking. Once properly dried, it stabilizes well and is less prone to warping, making it suitable for furniture and crafts.
The wood’s smooth surface and ease of cutting made it historically popular for woodblock printing. In fact, most woodblocks for Edo-period ukiyo-e prints were made from mountain cherry. It’s also used in musical instruments such as wind instruments, pianos, and organs.
For furniture, the wood’s beautiful grain and color are perfect for tables, cabinets, and chairs. An oil finish enhances its natural appeal, creating a warm and timeless look. However, mountain cherry logs are now rare in the market; often, orders for cherry wood are fulfilled with similar-looking birch instead.
That’s sad to hear. I’ve seen the news about how valuable woods are becoming harder to find.
Mountain Cherry in Japanese Culture
A Tree that Colors the Landscape
Mountain cherry trees thrive in Japan’s mountains, their pale pink blossoms adding color to the spring landscape. Although their flowers are smaller and less showy than those of Somei Yoshino, they possess a wild and natural beauty that’s deeply rooted in Japanese culture.
This connection is evident in traditional poetry, such as waka and haiku, where mountain cherry blossoms are celebrated. Even when the wood is processed, its grain and color retain that sense of nature’s beauty.
Mountain cherry seems like the very essence of Japan. Using it to create furniture feels special, doesn’t it?
It truly does. Seeing the grain of this wood can leave you speechless—it’s that beautiful.
Why I Choose Mountain Cherry
Finding Treasures in Timber Markets
I’ve searched for mountain cherry logs in markets across Hokkaido and Tohoku. Its distinctive grain and reliable workability continue to captivate me as a furniture maker. The translucency and depth brought out by an oil finish are simply unmatched.
Looking to the Future
Mountain cherry isn’t just for furniture—it’s suitable for interiors and special projects as well. I’m excited to keep crafting with this wood and sharing its unique beauty through my work.
Conclusion: Stories Embedded in the Grain
Mountain cherry is more than just a material to me—it’s a wood that’s been with me since the beginning, teaching me about the depth and beauty of working with timber. Its exquisite grain and color remain timeless, and it holds a permanent place in my journey as a woodworker.
Wow, mountain cherry really is amazing. I can’t wait to see your next creation!
Thank you. I’ll keep exploring its potential and crafting new pieces.
Thank you for reading to the end.
This was Ohara.