Kiri-bako (box made from paulownia) (Yamagata City)
![](https://yamagata-furusato-kougei.jp/img/detail/05-05img/cate05-pct05-1.jpg)
History/Outline
Boxes made from paulownia wood were used traditionally in Japan, where humidity change was great.
Kiri-bako were prized in humid Japan for their resilience against changes in humidity, as well as for being lightweight, flame-retardant, and insect-resistant. As high-quality paulownia wood was produced in Yamagata, it was
used to create boxes for storing stoneware. Although kiri-bako have lost their former popularity to other mass-produced goods, there are still 5 factories which produce paulownia boxes.
![](https://yamagata-furusato-kougei.jp/img/detail/05-05img/cate05-pct05-2.jpg)
Techniques/Characteristics
Paulownia boxes are also good for storing gifts because of their heartwarming white beauty.
Paulownia boxes have beautiful grain and tinge, giving them a sense of high-class, and making them well suited to preserving objects of art. Also, as they are lightweight, they are good for packaging gifts.
Main Products
●Various Types of Paulownia Boxes
![](https://yamagata-furusato-kougei.jp/img/detail/05-05img/cate05-pt05-1.jpg)
![](https://yamagata-furusato-kougei.jp/img/detail/05-05img/cate05-pt05-2.jpg)
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