Iwamoto Kiyoshi Shoten 岩本清商店

Since 1913, Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture

Iwamoto Kiyoshi Shoten is a fifth-generation workshop dedicated to the traditional craft of Kanazawa Paulownia (Kiri) Craft. From their historic town house studio in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, they have been creating handcrafted paulownia pieces for over a century.

Paulownia wood is the lightest wood found in Japan, valued for its durability, warmth, and natural beauty. Each piece is carefully shaped on a lathe, thoroughly dried, and finished with a traditional burnishing process that gives the wood its distinctive charred texture and soft lustre.

Originally developed from traditional kiri braziers used during the Edo period, Kanazawa paulownia craft combines skilled woodworking with decorative artistry. In 1988, it was officially designated as a Traditional Craft of Ishikawa Prefecture.

Today, the fifth-generation owner continues the tradition while creating pieces designed for modern life — objects meant to be used, enjoyed, and appreciated for years to come.