Nibutani Ita is a wood-carved tray (ita) of the Ainu people, handed down since ancient times in the Nibutani district of Biratori (Biratori Town), Saru District, Hokkaido. Craftspeople carve boards of Hokkaido-grown wood such as katsura (Japanese Judas tree) and walnut that have been dried for several years, engraving Ainu patterns such as morew-noka (spiral pattern), aiush-noka (thorn-like pattern), and shik-noka (eye-like pattern). The technique of ramram-noka (scale carving), applied to fill the spaces between the larger patterns, is also considered indispensable to Nibutani Ita. These patterns are said to carry meanings of warding off evil and misfortune. On March 8, 2013, together with Nibutani Attus, it became the first Traditional Craft Product designated by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) in Hokkaido. Although it has long been used as an everyday tray, the arrangement of patterns and the depth of carving differ from carver to carver, making it a craft in which the individuality of the maker is strongly expressed. The technique continues to be passed down today by local artisans and workshops centered on Nibutani in Biratori Town.
Origin
Nibutani Ita is a shallow wooden tray that has been made as a tool of daily life among the Ainu people living along the Saru River basin. It was used at ceremonies and everyday meals, and was also traded with the Wajin (ethnic Japanese). It is characterized by Ainu patterns such as morew-noka, aiush-noka, and shik-noka carved into the surface of the board, which are believed to carry the meaning of warding off evil. Families of carvers whose lineage traces back to great-grandfathers still remain, and the technique has been passed down across generations, centered on Nibutani in Biratori Town.
History
Even after the Meiji era, Nibutani Ita continued to be made by local artisans, becoming one of the region's important occupations. In recognition of the carving techniques and pattern expression cultivated over many years, on March 8, 2013 it was designated, together with Nibutani Attus, as the first Traditional Craft Product designated by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) in Hokkaido. This designation also completed the goal of having at least one designated Traditional Craft Product in every prefecture in Japan, marking a major milestone for Ainu craft. Today, multiple workshops and artisans are engaged in production and training successors, based at facilities such as the Biratori Town Ainu Culture Information Center (Nibutani Kogeikan).
Features
The greatest characteristic of Nibutani Ita is the combination of Ainu patterns such as morew-noka (spiral), aiush-noka (thorn), and shik-noka (eye), with ramram-noka (scale carving) applied to fill the gaps between them. The arrangement and depth of the patterns differ from carver to carver, so much so that it is said no two trays are ever alike, reflecting the individuality of each maker. Wood grown in Hokkaido, such as katsura and walnut, is dried for several years before use, and the tray is carefully carved with a distinctive tool called a kawatachi-bocho (bark-cutting knife).
Techniques
Morew-noka (Spiral Pattern)
A pattern carved by combining swirling curves, one of the representative designs of Nibutani Ita. The size and flow of the spirals differ from carver to carver, making this an area where individuality often shows through.
Aiush-noka and Shik-noka
Aiush-noka, formed of a series of thorn-like shapes, and shik-noka, reminiscent of an eye, are also frequently used patterns. They are combined with morew-noka to build up the overall composition of the tray.
Ramram-noka (Scale Carving)
Fine scale-like carving applied to fill the spaces left between the larger patterns. It is considered an indispensable technique for Nibutani Ita, finished through patient, painstaking handwork.
Materials Used
Production Process
- 1
Wood Selection and Drying
Hokkaido-grown wood such as katsura and walnut is cut into boards and left to dry naturally for several years. Thorough drying prevents warping and cracking after carving and is an important preparatory step for a stable finished product.
- 2
Rough Carving
The dried board is carved with a chisel to create the rough depth and outline of the tray. This stage determines the overall balance of the shape.
- 3
Shaping the Base
The bottom of the tray is carefully carved using a flat blade called a kawatachi-bocho, evening out the depth while finishing it into a smooth curved surface.
- 4
Pattern Carving
Ainu patterns such as morew-noka, aiush-noka, and shik-noka are carved in, and the gaps between the patterns are carefully filled with ramram-noka (scale carving).
- 5
Finishing
The edges on the underside of the tray are chamfered to improve the feel to the touch, and final adjustments are made while checking the whole piece to complete it.
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Artisans & Workshops
北の工房つとむ（貝澤徹）
A wood-carving artist born into a family of carvers whose lineage traces back to his great-grandfather, who learned wood carving at the workshop of his father, Kaizawa Tsutomu. Highly acclaimed both in Japan and abroad, with works held in the collection of the British Museum, he received the Commissioner for Cultural Affairs Award in 2020.
Official site →How to Buy
- NIBUTANI AINU CRAFT オンラインショップ
- The official online shop of an Ainu craft brand run by artisans of Biratori Town. In addition to Nibutani Ita, visitors can purchase craft items and everyday goods featuring Ainu patterns.Where to buy →PR
- 平取町アイヌ文化情報センター（二風谷工芸館）
- A facility that exhibits and sells traditional craft items made by local artisans, including Nibutani Ita and Nibutani Attus. It also carries specialist books, allowing visitors to purchase directly in the production area.Where to buy →PR
Hands-on Experiences
二風谷工芸館（平取町アイヌ文化情報センター）
北海道沙流郡平取町字二風谷61-6
Reservation required. A mukkuri-making (wood carving) session costs around 1,000 yen for two people, and a wood-carving/embroidery coaster-making session costs from around 1,300 yen.
View details →平取町立二風谷アイヌ文化博物館
北海道沙流郡平取町二風谷55
Admission is around 400 yen for adults and around 150 yen for elementary and junior high school students. Visitors can view exhibits explaining traditional crafts such as Nibutani Ita.
View details →FAQ
Q. What occasions was Nibutani Ita used for?
A. It was originally an everyday item used as a tray to hold food during meals and ceremonies. Today it is cherished not only as a tray but also as a decorative item and piece of interior décor.