A customer project by master craftsman Scott
At MORIKUNI, one of the greatest pleasures of our work is seeing how our hardware becomes part of beautiful handmade projects around the world. Recently, we had the privilege of seeing a remarkable tansu cabinet built by American craftsman Scott, who has spent more than 40 years working with wood.
Scott generously shared photos of his finished cabinet as well as many images from the building process. His work reflects a deep respect for traditional craftsmanship and a thoughtful approach to wood that resonates strongly with Japanese woodworking traditions.
A Cabinet Built with Care and Precision
The finished tansu cabinet immediately stands out for its clean lines and elegant proportions. The cabinet features a traditional multi-drawer layout with handcrafted pulls and carefully balanced spacing.
One detail we particularly admired is the use of two different wood tones. The darker wood used for the frame contrasts beautifully with the lighter drawer fronts, creating a subtle but striking visual balance.
Every detail—from the frame construction to the drawer fit—shows an extraordinary level of precision. The craftsmanship is calm, controlled, and refined, qualities that are deeply valued in both Japanese and Western woodworking traditions.
Traditional Joinery and Hand Tool Work
Scott builds all of his furniture using hand tools, and the cabinet structure reveals beautiful joinery throughout the piece.
The process photos he shared show carefully prepared components, precise layout work, and clean joinery that comes together to form a strong and durable cabinet structure. Seeing these steps reminds us that fine furniture is not simply assembled—it is carefully crafted piece by piece.
The internal framework, drawer construction, and structural members all demonstrate the kind of patience and skill that only comes from decades of experience.
A Hidden Detail: The Aroma Inside the Drawers
One of the most fascinating aspects of Scott’s cabinet is something you cannot see in a photograph.
Inside the cabinet, Scott uses Port Orford Cedar and Atlantic White Cedar for the dust boards and rear members. These woods produce a natural fragrance that gently releases every time a drawer is opened.
Combined with the kiri (Paulownia) drawer sides and bottoms, the woods absorb and slowly release this aroma over time. The result is a subtle sensory experience—one that greets the user each time the cabinet is opened.
In a world that often feels rushed and chaotic, small details like this create quiet moments of calm and appreciation.
A Craftsman Guided by His Love of Wood
Scott shared something with us that perfectly captures his approach to woodworking:
"One of the greatest gifts the Lord has given me is my love for wood. My adoration of it has not diminished one ounce in 40 years."
That love is visible in every part of his work. Scott carefully plans each project so that as little wood as possible goes to waste. Even small offcuts are saved and turned into beautiful handcrafted boxes.
This respect for material is something we deeply admire, and it reflects a philosophy shared by many traditional Japanese craftsmen.
Sharing Craft Across Cultures
Scott also told us that he has long admired Japanese craftsmanship and has been fortunate to work with Japanese artisans throughout his career. Hearing this meant a great deal to our team in Japan.
Seeing his finished tansu cabinet reminds us that craftsmanship is a universal language. Whether in Japan or abroad, the dedication to careful work, respect for materials, and pride in making something by hand connects craftspeople everywhere.
We are truly honored that MORIKUNI hardware could play a small part in such a beautiful project.
Thank you, Scott, for sharing your work with us.