Takayuki Yamagishi (山岸 貴幸)
Self-Introduction
"Cherish the good old things for a long time."
It’s a phrase I held dear while working at my previous furniture workshop.
I do admire the masterpieces that have been carefully passed down over decades or centuries by those who came before us, but I find myself more drawn to old items that have been moderately worn through use, yet still feel comfortable and approachable.
When I look at old things, I always find myself wondering: What era is this from? What was it used for? How was it used? One question after another floats through my mind. I let my thoughts wander through those questions—this way, that way—and sometimes I ask the shopkeeper. Then, I arrive at an answer. That answer may be right, or it may not be. But to be honest, what feels most enjoyable and comfortable is not reaching an answer, but rather the time spent letting my thoughts wander through the many scattered clues, and gaining a sense of awareness they bring.
The many good old things I’ve encountered up to now— some of them may disappear a few decades from now, leaving no trace in books or records, and existing only in this very moment. I hope to carry within me the awareness these good old things have given me, develop them into my own designs, and in turn, pass them along as new moments of awareness for someone else.
As someone who stepped into the world of woodworking through a love for old things, I quietly hold these thoughts in my heart. At the same time, I still lack the skills, knowledge, and experience. What I can do now is steadily spend each day facing my craft, the wood, and my tools, accumulating time little by little, and carefully giving form to what I envision.
And if the things that are born from that process can blend into the daily lives of those I’m fortunate enough to cross paths with— if they can become a small joy, or a gentle moment of comfort— then that would be my greatest happiness.
Favorite things
Woodworking, wood, plants, nature, making things, old objects, traveling, camping, coffee, tea, incense, vintage clothing, ceramics, glassware, architecture, photography, film, cats, eating, and sleeping
Biography
| 1991 | Born in Ishikawa Prefecture. |
| 2014 | Graduated from the University of Toyama. Began working in Ishikawa Prefecture, mainly in plant sales. |
| 2018 | Left the job. Began working at a furniture workshop in Tochigi Prefecture. Focused primarily on repairing old furniture. |
| 2022 | Left the job. |
| 2023 | Started creating works based in Moka and Motegi. |
Introduction from the Shop Owner
I first met Yamagishi-san in October 2024, at the workshop of Takasu-san in Mashiko. I had been looking for young artisans, and Takasu-san said to me, “There’s a really good young guy helping me out right now. You should meet him.” That’s how he introduced Yamagishi-san to me.
Most of the artisans I work with are around my age, but Yamagishi-san was much younger— and he was strikingly fresh and sincere.
What he showed me then was an incense holder. I had lived my life with no connection to incense, and honestly, I didn’t really know much about incense holders. But I was simply captivated by the quiet presence of that piece.
This simple form brings to mind both a plate and a cup—flat and curved surfaces coexisting in harmony. The grain of the wood flows with changing angles, connected throughout. All the surfaces are broad, unadorned, and draw your eyes straight into the wood’s natural patterns. The unique character of this wood comes to life in this specific shape—and I was completely taken by it.
We talked for a while about his background and what he hopes to do in the future, and I placed an order on the spot. He kindly said, “Please try using that incense holder,” and I gratefully accepted. From the very next day, lighting incense each morning became a daily ritual in my garage workshop.
On cold mornings, when the garage is still dark and below freezing, this incense holder—alongside the radio and a kerosene heater—has become an essential part of my workspace.
He’s an artisan I’m truly looking forward to watching grow.
