Mori Kougei

Mori Kougei is a woodworking and wood-processing company based in Tokushima City, Tokushima Prefecture. Since its founding in 1953, the company has specialized particularly in the production of decorative plywood made by laminating thinly sliced wood sheets known as tsuki-ita (veneer). With great respect for the individuality of each piece of wood, Mori Kougei values craftsmanship that brings out the natural character of the material and proposes designs that highlight its inherent beauty.

Mori Kougei’s style is defined by its ability to express contemporary elegance while maximizing the unique qualities of the wood itself. The company excels especially in the technique of arranging thinly sliced veneers to create patterns, skillfully using the direction of the wood grain and variations in color to form radial or geometric designs. Rather than rustic finishes, Mori Kougei emphasizes refined, stylish compositions, characterized by thin and lightweight forms and clean, minimal structures. While grounded in traditional techniques, the company also actively incorporates regional culture—such as indigo-dyed veneers—creating a balanced aesthetic that unites natural warmth with modern sophistication.

Tsuki-ita refers to wood shaved into paper-thin sheets, so named because it is “struck” or “pushed” with a blade, much like producing shavings. Mori Kougei is highly skilled in combining these veneers to form patterns, resulting in pieces where even identical designs take on unique expressions depending on the wood used—each with the charm of a one-of-a-kind work. Building on the techniques passed down since its founding and supported by deep knowledge of wood, the company continues to pursue new expressive possibilities unique to thin veneer work, developing designs and methods that embody the theme: “What can only be achieved with thin wood.”