Kitayama Masatsumu Shoten | Handmade Tawashi Brushes
Kitayama
Masatsumu
Shoten
Natural fibres. Hand-finished brushes.
A tawashi maker from Wakayama, Japan.
Made in
Wakayama.
Founded in 1969 by tawashi craftsperson Masatsumu Kitayama, the family workshop continues to make brushes in Kinokawa, Wakayama.
Natural fibres are shaped and finished by hand. The workshop brings this experience to brushes for the home and everyday pet care.
Wakayama.
A history in fibre.
In the hills of Kishu, now Wakayama, shuro became part of everyday life. Working with this natural fibre has a long place in the region’s craft history.
From Wakayama,
with craft.
The historic Nogamidani area extends from eastern Kainan towards Kimino. Kitayama Masatsumu Shoten’s workshop is in Kinokawa, to the north.
Kinokawa, Wakayama
A local industry
Shuro production in Wakayama dates back to the Edo period and continued into the Meiji era.
From hills to homes
Shuro palms grew wild and were cultivated in the hills of Nogamidani. The fibre around their trunks became rope, nets, brooms, tawashi and brushes.
Beyond the region
Trade associations developed in the Meiji era, and shuro goods were shipped to Tokyo. Wakayama’s prefectural archives preserve association records from 1885–1887.
Still made by hand.
Inside Kitayama’s workshop today. Preparing the fibres, shaping each brush and finishing the details.
Sisal & shuro
Sisal
Pale plant fibres with a distinctive, soft-looking texture. Used in the cat-brush collection and selected mixed-fibre models.
Shuro
Warm brown palm fibres with a different texture and character. Used in selected cat and dog brushes.
Materials and construction vary by model. See each product page to choose the right combination.
Craft for daily care.
Bring Kitayama
to your collection.
For retailers and distributors: ask H&K about the range, samples and wholesale supply. Tell us your market and the products you are interested in.