KUMIKI
A Piece of Japan You Can Wear
Long before Japan was known for its skylines
and bullet trains, there was wood.
Hinoki cypress. Joined without a single nail.
Now, small enough to wear.
Kumiki — Wood joined
without a single nail.
No adhesive. No fastener. Only precision.
From the pillars of Horyuji temple
to the artisan's toolbox -
thirteen centuries of quiet engineering.
The interlocking joints at each corner
are called arare-gumi.
This is kumiki in its purest form.
We carry the name with reverence.
Masu — A vessel of prosperity.
A masu is a wooden cup carved from hinoki cypress,
born in the eighth century to measure rice.
Its name became a prayer:
masu - to increase, to prosper.
Set before shrines. Raised at weddings.
Filled with sake in the silence before a toast.
For thirteen centuries, the masu has held
what matters most to the Japanese people.
Now, in the world's smallest form.
Now, part of your day.
Two lives. One jewel.
365 days by your side.
Wear it
On the days you step out, it goes with you.
Display it
When you return, it becomes art in your room.
Collection
Every piece comes with a masu display case, mizuhiki packaging, and a masu badge.
Give Japan to someone you love.
The masu is a symbol of prosperity in Japan.
Every piece is delivered in a masu box with a hand-tied mizuhiki cord.
Masu Badge
For those who choose a KUMIKI jewel,
we include a masu badge as a mark of ownership.
One of a kind. Yours alone.
Metal, coating, ornamentation -
every detail is yours to choose.
We craft a KUMIKI that exists nowhere else in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is KUMIKI?
KUMIKI takes its name from the Japanese woodworking tradition of joining pieces without nails, a technique spanning 1,300 years. We create the world's smallest hinoki cypress masu and transform them into jewelry - necklaces, earrings, and kanzashi hair ornaments.
What is a masu?
A masu is a traditional Japanese wooden measuring cup, crafted from hinoki cypress using interlocking joints - entirely without nails. Born nearly 1,300 years ago, it became a symbol of prosperity because "masu" echoes the Japanese word for "to increase." It is used in sacred ceremonies and celebrations throughout Japan.
What is kumiki joinery?
Kumiki is the art of joining wood without nails. From the pillars of Horyuji temple to artisan toolboxes, this technique has been passed down for over a millennium. The interlocking "arare-gumi" joints at each corner of the masu are kumiki in its purest form.
What are KUMIKI's prices?
KUMIKI jewelry is available in four material tiers: Silver 925 at ¥66,000 ($450), Gold at ¥88,000 ($600), K18 Gold at ¥132,000 ($900), and Platinum at ¥198,000 ($1,350). Every piece includes a display masu case and mizuhiki gift packaging.
Is hinoki wood jewelry durable?
Each KUMIKI masu receives a specialized protective coating for daily wear. We recommend avoiding prolonged submersion or extreme humidity. The natural fragrance of hinoki cypress remains - a quiet reminder of the forest with every wear.
Inquire
We welcome your questions about our collection.