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From fresh logs found close at hand, I carve wooden spoons using only hand tools such as axes and knives. These one-of-a-kind pieces, centered on Swedish-style spoons, are characterized by the distinctive grain of each piece of wood and the natural “fluctuations” created by the tree itself. Spoons that fit comfortably in your own hand, made for generous, satisfying bites— bringing joy and flavor to everyday moments at the table.
The material for my work is freshly cut, small-diameter trees from the forest. They are rarely taken out of the forest or circulated as commercial timber. Knowing where a tree grew, felling it, and bringing it out of the forest — my work begins in the forest itself. Everything that exists in nature is beautiful. I consider how to bring out the individuality of each tree and make it part of the beauty of the finished piece. The joy and challenge of creating with nothing but an axe and a knife never ends. It is a way of making that is deeply human and rooted in the hands — a healthy, honest craft of creating with trees.
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products
In 2026, we will be focusing our exhibits on Prunus grayana trees grown in the forest.
In addition to the wipe-lacquer finish, which allows you to enjoy the wood grain while preserving the beautiful bark,
We also offer oil-finished pieces, where the red wood develops a richer texture with use.
May the trees that lived quietly in the forest for about 30 years and were then cut down continue to live on on our dinner tables for as long as possible.
A sakaki tree that has lived in the forest for about 60 years.
They were cut down to brighten up the dark areas where they grew in clusters.
The thickest part at the base was used to make tools for small boats, and parts of the other trunks were transformed into spoons.
While it's a somewhat quirky material as a raw wood, the smoothness of the surface was a pleasure to work with. The finished product has a smooth feel to the touch, just as it appeared when carved, and you can enjoy the beautiful bark and grain.
These will be on display starting at the Shizuoka Handmade Market in April. You should also be able to see the trees being planted around the venue, Gokoku Shrine.
Sakaki, which is cherished in a space where gods reside,
On the other hand, in the forest, the Eurya japonica is considered a nuisance due to its strong reproductive capacity.
Where a seed falls, a person's feelings change.
I hope that these hand-sized pieces will serve as an opportunity for you to take notice of trees as one of the familiar plants in your life.
WEBSHOP
These spoons are handcrafted from raw logs using an axe and knife, and we deliver them to you with heartfelt care.
A portion of the proceeds from our online shop will be donated to the Green Fund (National Land Greening Promotion Organization), which will be used to promote forest maintenance and other related activities.
May the artwork you welcome into your home and the trees and forests around you intertwine to create a brighter future.
We are currently showcasing one work.
EXHIBITION
[Upcoming Exhibitions]
2026/10/10(Sat)-11(Sun)
ARTS&CRAFS Shizuoka Handmade Market 2026 Autumn
@Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture
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Some works will have a limit on the number of entries.
Please refrain from taking or uploading photos of the exhibits without permission.
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Past exhibits can be found here.
PROFILE
Mariko KAWABATA
Greenwoodworker / Spoon carver
Founder of HÖBAL SPOON
I carve spoons and other everyday tools from fresh greenwood, trees grown in the forest and harvested through forest management.
Using only hand tools and primitive woodworking techniques, I work directly from the log, allowing the character of each tree to guide the making.
To work with the tree, and to tell its story, are both essential parts of my practice.
I give new life to small-diameter trees that might otherwise have little value as timber, transforming them into tools for everyday use.
Keeping the trees and forests close to mind,
I aim to make objects that can remain a quiet part of everyday life, and be cherished for many years.
workshop
A workshop using birch in Kiso Town, Nagano Prefecture
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