Minase Wooden Boxes

Minase boxes are made of Paulownia wood, called Kiri in Japan. This beautiful purple-ish tree is highly appreciated in Asia for its clear, strong wood.

Kiri wood for Minase boxes

Minase watches are packed in a kiri wood box. Kiri wood is strong and resistant yet light and elegant and also symbolizes pride and success. Therefore, it was quite natural for Minase to start crafting its boxes in that material. The box is then wrapped in a Furoshiki. Furoshiki is a re-useable and ecological Japanese traditional folding and knotting technique used for the packing of gifts and for transportation.

 

Symbols and origins of kiri wood

Kiri is used in applications where a lightweight, yet proportionately strong wood is needed. It’s widely used in Japan for construction of the koto, a stringed musical instrument, thanks to his acoustic quality, as well as for other household items.

Kiri wood, or Paulownia, was named after Queen Anna Pavlovna of Russia and is sometimes also referred to as Royal Paulownia or Princess Tree.

 

 

Kiri leaves have been one of the emblems used to honor deserving figures in Japan since the 14th century. The Orders of the Rising Sun, established in 1875 by Emperor Meiji, was Japan’s first award. Its medal features rays of sunlight radiating from the rising sun and the attachments are shaped into kiri flowers and leaves. The Kiri emblem also appears in the official emblem of the Japanese Prime Minister and the Cabinet.

Watch boxes for Masterpiece

Minase Masterpieces and some Limited Editions are offered in another handcrafted wooden box made in marquetry.