《Characteristics》
Kitayama Maruta is a generic name of cedar logs cut and proceeded in Kyoto that includes polished round logs, artificially and naturally striated logs, menkawabashira (wood with four planed sides but retaining natural texture) and rafters. Their special characteristics are a fine wood, a velvety and lustrous surface, and a resistance to drying and cracking. Also, in comparison with manufactured products and general types of logs, Kitayama Maruta provides excellent bending properties.

This refined quality of Kitayama Maruta makes perfect harmony in both traditional Japanese-style architecture and modern architecture. The tasteful logs are used in interior space as a nature's gift which makes us feel like being back in the nature. A multifarious and unfading beauty of its appearance will attract anyone who sees it.

Kitayama Maruta, tradiotional craftwork of Kyoto which has a history of 600 years, is designated as " Traditional Craftworks of Kyoto Prefecture" and "Traditional Craftworks Industrial Products of Kyoto City" .

Below is the feature of Kitayama cedar depicted in "Shirasugi Kitayama Maruta Buyo-Ho (How to cultivate Kitayama Maruta)" (written by Daisuke Kusakabe in 1899.)

"Shirasugi Kitayama Maruta (Logs of "White Cedar" which is one of the species of Kitayama Cedars) used as alcove posts standing straight with no distortion in the center of the main temple .

Its high wood density gives hardness to the body,
Its surface is shining white like a snow ,
On the perfect cylindrical body from the top to the bottom,
no knot nor scar can be found.
There is no doubt that Shirasugi Kitayama Maruta is admired as the most elegant and superb quality in the world.

By careful cultivating method, such as repeated pruning,Kitayama Maruta has a special nature that is different fromthe logs of other forestry regions.

《Types of Kitayama Maruta》

Kitayama Migaki Maruta (Polished log )
This is a basic process for Kitayama Maruta products. Logs which have no knob or knot on the surface are finished with this simplest process. The feature of the products is smooth and lustrous wood surface. Also its appearance is evenly cylindrical with minor difference on both ends of the log.

Kitayama Tennen Deshibori Maruta (Logs with natural convexity)
This type of logs originally has knobs and wavelike unevenness (striations) called "Shibori" on the surface, which is mainly used as alcove posts in Japanese rooms. The unique appearance is made through the growing conditions, such as the nature of the soil or sun exposure . Also the convexity patterns vary according to the species.

Kitayama Chirimen Shibori Maruta (Logs with natural striation)
This is another type of logs which has natural striation. While above type of logs has knobs or unevenness protruding on the surface , this type is characterized by long narrow recesses onthe surface, which is extremely rare.

Artificially Striated Kitayama Maruta
Logs are processed with artificial striation on the wood surface .

Kitayama Rafters (small logs)
Small Kitayama Maruta is used as rafters. Due to its plain surface and no size difference on both ends, it is generally used for tearooms and tea houses. Recently, it is also used for handrails or decorations on buildings such as louvers. .

Kitayama Menkawabashira (Polished logs with four planed sides )
This is a type of logs madefrom polished Maruta. Four sides of the log are planed with an adze or similar tools. Natural beauty of the wood itself and the wood grain after planing can be enjoyed at the same time.

[Traditional Handicrafts of Koto Prefecture], [Traditional Craftworks Industrial Products of Kyoto City]
Source: Kyoto Kitayama Maruta Cooperative Association
Translation: Marie Mine, reviewed by Naoko Yamashita