At Sato Mokko, we take on individual commissions for furniture that needs dimensions unavailable off the shelf, woodwork for shrines and festivals—including kamidana household Shinto altars, mikoshi portable shrines and shrine structures—and the restoration of older wooden objects. Past projects have also included large wooden doors and wall decorations that extend beyond conventional furniture making.
You do not need to have every detail decided before contacting us. We can begin with a wish to have something made, a piece you would like repaired, or a question about whether an idea can be realised in wood. We listen and consider how to approach it.
Made for the Place and the Purpose
For a custom piece, we begin by asking where it will go, how it will be used, what dimensions are needed and what kind of atmosphere you want. We then develop a design for that particular place and purpose.
Past work has included household altars and shrine-related objects designed for limited spaces, large wooden doors, and wall decorations inspired by trees and plants. Even when a request does not fit neatly into the categories of furniture, joinery or decoration, we consider how it might be made in wood.
If You Have Been Told It Is Difficult, Talk to Us
People sometimes come to Sato Mokko with work that few makers undertake, or with requests that others have declined. Older shrine and temple woodwork and one-off commissions require different methods and amounts of work from mass-produced items.
We cannot promise to undertake everything. First, we review the request or examine the object and decide whether our experience equips us to help. If you are unsure whom to ask, you are welcome to contact us.
Repairing Older Objects while Keeping What Can Be Saved
When restoring a piece, we retain as many usable original components as possible. Our basic approach is to repair damaged sections, replace missing parts and work towards the object’s original appearance.
One memorable project involved restoring a shrine structure that was found to be around 300 years old. When I first saw it, the damage was so extensive that I wondered whether it would be better to build it anew. But the owner wanted to preserve that particular shrine. I therefore dismantled it, kept the components that could still be used, and made replacements for the damaged sections to restore it.
Understanding the Original Form from What Remains
An older object may have missing components or areas where the lacquer and gold leaf have worn away. Objects associated with shrines and temples also follow conventions of form and construction. We use clues such as surviving parts and the shapes on either side to consider how the original object would have looked.
In restoration, I respect the original work and give priority to recovering its form. Even when I feel something might be improved, I do not redesign it according to my own preferences. Years of studying different kinds of woodwork help me make these decisions.
From Your First Enquiry to Delivery
We begin by discussing what you would like made or what problem you need help with. Where necessary, we examine the object or its intended location. For customers farther away, the initial conversation may take place using photographs and dimensions.
Once we understand the project, we consider the specifications and method of construction, then provide an estimate and an indication of the timescale. For larger projects with costs in the million-yen range, we request a 50% deposit when the order is placed. After receiving the order, we select materials and begin making or restoring the piece. For a custom commission, we may also refine the design during the work as we check that we share the same picture of the result.
The process varies with the project. You do not need to prepare every piece of information before your first enquiry. After hearing from you, we will ask for anything else we need.
Examples of Enquiries We Receive
- Off-the-shelf products do not fit the required dimensions or specifications.
- You would like a one-of-a-kind piece of furniture or another wooden object.
- You would like to discuss a kamidana household Shinto altar or other shrine or temple woodwork.
- A mikoshi portable shrine, shrine structure or another object used in festivals needs repair or restoration.
- You would like us to assess whether an older wooden object can be restored.
- You need woodwork beyond furniture, such as a large door or wall decoration.
- Another maker has said the request would be difficult to undertake.
- You are unsure whether your idea can be made in wood.
If your request is not on this list, we are still happy to hear about it. After reviewing the details, we will let you know if it is outside our field or something we cannot undertake.
How We Approach Custom Work
Alongside dimensions and function, we consider how to present the wood, which construction methods and finishes to use, and the overall design. Depending on the piece, we may combine furniture joinery, shrine and temple timber construction, carving, urushi lacquer and gold leaf.
You can read more about these methods in Our Craft. We hope it gives you a sense of how Sato Mokko approaches a piece before you get in touch.
Talk to Us
You are welcome to contact us when you have something in mind to be made, would like us to assess an older object for repair, or are simply unsure whom to ask. Please tell us what you can in the “Your Enquiry” field of the contact form below.
A written description is enough to begin. If we need photographs or dimensions, we will explain what is required by email or telephone after reviewing your enquiry.
