Japan's cedar, commonly referred to as sugi, is soft yet lightweight with aromatic qualities and has strong decay resistance properties, making it suitable for many construction uses. Commercial production for use in Japan occurs widely throughout its territory.
Wood can be challenging to use as an aesthetic material in furniture making, so it wasn't considered suitable for high-end products - until now!
Soot Heat Treatment
Burning cedar wood to preserve it has long been a tradition in Japan. Dubbed yakisugi (or shou sugi ban in English), this process ignites the hemi-cellulose in the wood fibers to make them more resistant to moisture, fungus, insects and fire.
Traditionaly used on exterior surfaces of buildings and storage buildings, this technique has now found increasing use within interior design. Charring adds visual interest while giving wood an aged, naturally aged appearance that adds visual depth.
Softwoods like Japanese cedar tend to char easily, making them perfect for this treatment. The charred surface can either remain as-is for protection and an earthy aesthetic, or can be brushed away to achieve different colors and finishes. The smoky look protects wood against weather damage while repelling insects and resisting rot; furthermore it gives off an inviting aroma!
Shou Sugi Ban
Shou Sugi Ban, more commonly known in the West as Yakisugi, is a traditional Japanese method for wood preservation. Also referred to as burnt timber cladding or fire treated cedar, Yakisugi involves deep burning Cryptomeria japonica wood to weatherproof against rot, pests and sun damage.
This technique depends on the intensity and duration of a flame, creating various textures from crackled alligator skin appearance to sleek black surfaces. While any wood type may be used, traditionally Cryptomeria japonica (Japanese Cedar) cypress wood is preferred.
Charring wood grain patterns creates a striking aesthetic, drawing attention to them in any design setting. Our kiln-dried Shou Sugi Ban adds depth and maturity to any property design - it has quickly become one of our most popular looks for both interior and exterior projects alike!
Natural Characteristics
Japanese Cedar (or Sugi) is an evergreen conifer known for its fragrant wood, which is highly weather and insect resistant and develops its own distinctive character over time. Sugi is used in making pillars and boards, ceiling boards, polished logs, polished log furniture pieces, barrels for shipbuilding purposes as well as in an intricate woodworking technique called Kumiko.
Japanese craftsmen favor its natural properties for creating art, as its VOCs help keep one physiologically relaxed during stressful circumstances and can thus benefit mental health.
Wood is light and strong, making it highly workable with both hand and machine tools. Knots add charm and character, but can prove challenging when working with this wood species. Furniture-grade sugi comes from Japan where forests undergo steam compression growing processes that produce straight graining impossible through other compression methods.
Maintenance
Like any wood product, maintaining Japanese cedar furniture requires proper care and maintenance in order for it to last as long as possible. Sugi wood should ideally be kept out of direct sunlight or heat vents in order to avoid fading, and cleaned regularly using mild soap and water solutions with soft cloth or brush cleaning tools.
Misting Japanese cedar trees located in an open environment can help improve airflow and prevent fungal infections like leaf blight. Misting is especially helpful if the tree is planted in well-draining soil with acidic to neutral pH levels.
At 1stDibs, our selection of old Japanese Cedar furniture - designed in classic styles by master artisans - features pieces to meet your every need. Search our inventory now to find something truly perfect!
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