Cast Iron Incense Holder Collection by CHUSHIN KOBO, JAPAN | NIPPON KODO WHOLESALE Japanese Quality Incense Since 1575

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Chushin Kobo’s Philosophy

Hisanori Masuda's casting studio, Chushin-kobo, aspires to design ironwork which integrates the beauty of traditional Japanese casting with modern day functionality.

Traditional craft design is not conservative. It is innovative, encompassing both the hardware and software of its era.
For traditional crafts to be passed on to future generations, artisans must undertake to design practical, refined and modern items.

Chushin-kobo is a creative design studio devoted to developing universal designs.
The studio's main line is called "Tatara" which is born out of traditional Japanese culture.

These items are traditional Japanese cast iron that have been modified to fit our modern day lifestyle. The refined shapes along with the lacquered surface give these incense holders a charming and elegant look.

Hisanori Masuda was born in 1949 in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. After graduating from Musashino University of Art (Fine Arts and Design) where he studied under Prof. Mosuke Yoshitake, Hisanori stayed on as a studio assistant to his professor for 5 years. During this time, Hisanori was successful in revitalizing local industries through product design. Later he moved to Yamagata City and established his own studio, "Chushin-Kobo" in 1997. He seeks to recreate objects retaining the beauty of traditional Japanese cast iron but stylishly adapted to fit contemporary life-style. Using iron, aluminum and bronze, he designs, produces and sells all his own work. He is currently a member of Japan Craft Design Association and teaches at Tohoku University of Art and Design.