Hand-Carved Slim Wagatabon Pen Tray

Give your favorite fountain pens a secure and beautiful resting place with this hand-carved Wagatabon pen tray made from Japanese chestnut wood. Carefully carved in fine, parallel grooves that run the length of the tray, it allows pens to settle neatly in place without rolling. Spacious yet slim, the tray comfortably holds four fountain pens, making it both functional and refined for any desk setting.

Wagatabon is a traditional wooden tray craft with origins in the Wagata region of Ishikawa Prefecture—also known for Wajima lacquer used on fine writing instruments. Originally crafted from split logs and carved by hand, these trays emphasize the natural grain and warmth of chestnut wood.

From the Edo through Meiji periods, local artisans who once produced chestnut shingles for thatched roofs began making these trays for personal use. As demand for wood shingles declined and the Wagata area was submerged by the Wagatani Dam in 1959, the craft nearly vanished.

Today, a small number of artisans have revived Wagatabon using historical records and surviving pieces. Each tray is hand-carved with visible tool marks that bring warmth and individuality to every piece. Ideal for pen lovers and those who appreciate traditional Japanese woodworking, this tray offers both beauty and heritage in one.

Explore our collection of Japanese pen trays, where timeless craftsmanship meets modern elegance.

Details

• Brand: Komorebi Stationery - Masayoshi Kanematsu
  
• Size: 7.9" × 3.5" × 0.8" (20 cm × 9 cm × 2cm)
  
• Inner Dimensions: 7.1" × 2.8" (18 cm × 7 cm)
• Weight: 3.2 oz (90 g)
  
• Material: Japanese Chestnut
  
• Note:
  1. Each piece is hand-carved from natural logs, so variations in color and wood grain are to be expected.
  2. Since natural wood is used, warping may occur due to humidity, dryness, direct sunlight, or exposure to air conditioning. Please store the tray upside down for proper care.

Explore the Journey of Masayoshi Kanematsu

Nestled in the town of Akeno, surrounded by the majestic Japanese Alps and bathed in the nation's longest sunlight hours, lies the workshop of Masayoshi Kanematsu. Masayoshi, a Wagatabon artisan, began woodworking around 30, crafting furniture and household goods while working in semiconductor equipment development in a corporate setting.

After retiring in 2016, Masayoshi's journey took a serious turn towards becoming a dedicated woodworking craftsman. His love for Wagatabon sparked in November 2016 when he was captivated by its simple yet beautiful aesthetic on television.

Wagatabon, a craft that had once faded into obscurity, became his passion. Drawing from magazines and internet resources, he started creating his unique take on the craft. By 2019, under the tutelage of Shinichi Moriguchi, a leading figure in the revival of Wagatabon, Masayoshi honed his creation methods.

Since then, he has been committed to spreading the allure of the Wagatabon craft, dedicating himself to the art of making these exquisite pieces.