Japanese Cedar Cupboard by Osamu Saruyama
Designed by renowned designer Osamu Saruyama for Azmaya, this mizuya (dish cupboard) is a tribute to Japan’s enduring woodworking traditions. Meticulously crafted from straight-grain Akita cedar, it offers compact yet well-ventilated storage for everyday tableware. The pale, subtly reddish wood grain and gentle natural fragrance lend a quiet, timeless elegance to any space.
The Essence of Akita Cedar
Akita cedar (Akita-sugi) is among Japan’s most revered timbers, cherished for its fine, straight grain, warm coloration, and remarkable durability. Grown in the cool, mist-laden forests of northern Japan, this slow-grown cedar possesses a density and stability that make it particularly suited for fine furniture and architectural elements. Its surface is naturally smooth to the touch, yet robust enough to endure generations of use.
Beyond its visual and structural appeal, Akita cedar is distinguished by its captivating fragrance—a crisp, woodsy fragrance that lingers in the air, reminiscent of a hinoki forest after rain. The subtle notes of fresh resin and earth create a calming presence, transforming any space into a quiet retreat. Over time, this natural aroma deepens, imbuing the cabinet with a sense of place and history.
The increasing rarity of straight-grain Akita cedar, coupled with its ever-rising value, makes this piece a true collector’s item. Its scarcity and exceptional craftsmanship elevate it beyond mere function, offering an heirloom-quality object that embodies both tradition and refinement.
A Testament to Edo Sashimono Craftsmanship
This mizuya is constructed with Edo-period sashimono joinery techniques, where each piece of wood is precisely fitted without the use of nails or metal fasteners. The interlocking joints provide both structural integrity and visual harmony, allowing the wood to flex and breathe naturally.
Every interaction with this piece reveals the artistry behind its construction. The sliding doors, fitted with exacting precision, glide effortlessly with the lightest touch—a sensation reminiscent of drawing a hand across a freshly planed surface. The movement is so smooth, so silent, that it feels almost weightless, a testament to the craftsman’s skill and the inherent qualities of the Akita cedar.
The cabinet remains uncoated, preserving the wood’s organic beauty and breathability. Traditional adhesives—nikawa (gelatin-based animal glue) and sokui (starch paste made from rice)—are used to bind the elements together, ensuring an entirely natural composition. Even the sliding rails are finished with ibota wax, a refined material derived from the ibotaroumushi scale insect, an ancient Japanese technique that enhances the smooth motion of the doors.
A Living Material That Evolves Over Time
Left in its natural state, Akita cedar absorbs the traces of daily life, developing a patina unique to its owner. The oils from hands, the placement of dishware, and the passage of time will leave subtle marks—echoes of touch and use that enrich its character. Whether one chooses to embrace this organic transformation or carefully maintain its pristine surface, the cabinet will mature into a singular, irreplaceable presence in any home.
This mizuya is not merely furniture; it is a living piece of craftsmanship, a vessel for tradition, and an invitation to experience the quiet beauty of natural materials in everyday life.
About the Designer & Maker
Azmaya is a Japanese brand dedicated to elevating everyday objects through quiet design and enduring craftsmanship. Collaborating with traditional artisans across Japan—from Arita potters to Tsubame metalworkers—Azmaya creates functional tools for daily life that feel both timeless and deeply intentional. Their philosophy is rooted in subtle beauty, thoughtful proportion, and materials that reveal more character with age.
Among their most celebrated collaborators is Tokyo-based designer Osamu Saruyama, whose multidisciplinary practice spans illustration, antiques, and product design. Saruyama brings a poetic restraint to his work, drawing from centuries-old Japanese aesthetics while embracing the intimacy of modern rituals—tea drinking, cooking, storage. His pieces for Azmaya, including teapots, trays, and cupboards, are marked by a quiet elegance and a belief that true beauty emerges through everyday use.
Azmaya and Saruyama transform the ordinary into the quietly extraordinary—objects that grow more meaningful over time, never shouting for attention but always deserving it.
Product details:
The cupboard comes in a custom-built wooden crate.
Measurements:
L 27.2" x W 14.4" x H 28.7"
Weight: 18.8 lbs