"Masu" are containers used for measuring volume. In Japan, they have had a long history of use in agriculture, law, business and as a standard underpinning everyday life. Every since people started farming, they have been used primarily as a tool for measuring foodstuffs such as cereals, oil and alcohol. During the national unification by the three military commanders Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu, a standardization was begun of the masu measures that had until that time been highly varied. It is these standardized measures that have been passed down to the present.
Even today masu are deeply engrained in the minds of Japanese people, and when they talk about amounts of rice and sake they use "gou" and "shou," units of masu capacity.
All this aside, the most popular use of masu is as the measure for a cup of sake at banquets and parties. |
 |
 |
 |
| The city of Oogaki in Gifu Prefecture is proud to be responsible for 80% of Japan's masu production. Oogaki is close to areas of high Japanese cypress yield such as Kiso and Tounou, and so is an area blessed with being able to obtain high-quality natural Japanese cypress. |
| Cypress is used as a material for masu. Along with Japanese cedar, it is a classically Japanese timber, but cypress is generally considered a superior wood. Cypress from the Soki region is famous to the extent that mentioning cypress in Japan immediately brings that area to mind. It has been used since long ago as a timber for building temples and shrines. |
|
 |
Overall, cypress has a light, pale color with a feeling of cleanliness, similar to that of skin. It has a unique fragrance that raises its price as a timber to the extent that it said that dealers "sell the scent." This fragrance has a soothing effect that relaxes people.
Because it dries easily and has few irregularities, cypress is a timber well-suited to an unusually varied range of uses, such as being made into buildings, fittings, furniture, and almost every item made out of wood. It also has anti-bacterial properties. Because it has high resistance to water, it is often used for bathrooms, cutting boards, and other wooden products that will get wet. |
| The substance called "phytoncide", which possesses the mysterious power that is the source of the refreshing effect experienced when in forests, is in fact the cause of the soothing and rejuvenating feeling induced in abundance by the cypress. For humans, there are many highly beneficial effects of this substance that cannot be seen with the eye, such as the refreshing feeling felt when surrounded by trees, an anti-bacterial, deodorant and anti-vermin effect, and the effect of relaxing the spirit and easing stress. In the case of the cypress, phytoncide is also called "cypress thiol," and this is receiving attention from a variety of angles as the "mysterious power of the cypress." |
|
|
 |
| Today, masu from roughly 3 shaku (approx. 52mL) to 1 gou (approx. 180mL) in size are regularly used as ceremonial vessels for drinking sake. They are often decorated, using silk printing or branding, with the names of participants in an event or marriage. One gou (approx. 180mL), 2.5 gou (approx. 450mL), 5 gou (approx. 900mL) and 1 shou (approx. 1.8L) masu continue to use even today Kiso cypress, the standard timber for masu, and the traditional measurements established as standards in the Edo era. Products such as the 1 shou masu that require wide timber are valuable items, because of the difficulty of obtaining the Kiso cypress (as trees with thick trunks are rare, and felling is restricted). |
 |
 |
 |
 |
[2.5 gou masu (approx. 451mL)]
115mmx115mmx64mm(H)
[5 gou masu (approx. 902mL)]
140mmx140mmx76mm(H)
[1 shou masu (approx. 1804mL)]
172mmx172mmx93mm(H) |
[3 shaku masu (approx. 54.12mL)]
56mmx56mmx39mm(H) |
[5 shaku masu (approx. 90.2mL)]
67mmx67mmx47mm(H) |
[8 shaku masu (approx. 144.32mL)]
82mmx82mmx51mm(H) |
[1 gou masu (approx. 180.4mL)]
85mmx85mmx56mm(H) |
 |
| The lucky masu is a mainstay at events like wedding ceremonies and parties. |
|
 |
 |
Made with the same construction as a real masu, and the base is crimped. Handmade items diligently constructed one by one by the craftspeople who are the pride of the workshop.
These masu are sent attached to a cord as a strap. Through the lucky masu and "bell of happiness," we pray for your good fortune. |
 |
●The Effects of the Cords' Colors●
Red: Extra health and energy.
Black: A color with the meanings of "hiding" and "storing." For maintaining good luck.
Purple (in 2 tones, Deep and Light): Extra aspiration. Shows its power when you want to rise above others.
Peach: A color that indicates plenty, love and gentleness. For singles, it increases their fortune in finding love. For couples, it increases luck relating to affection.
Water: The color that cultivates luck for development. For luck at work and in study.
Pea Green: The color of relaxation. For when you're stressed.
Yellow: For when you want determination, willpower and decisiveness.
Gold: The color that invites economic luck. For more luck with money.
Rainbow: For when you want to be more lucky in general.
This braid's colors have been considered since long ago to be a talisman for women, particularly good at warding off evil. |
|
 |
The red hands are soooo cute!
On the masu opposite the clock face, you can display a photo, place a figurine, or do whatever you think of to create an original ornament!
|
|
 |
Amongst the 10 wooden cubes, there are miniature masu.
At first glance it has a fancy appearance, but the softness of wood gently marks the passing of time.
Because it is constructed to allow you to display it on a table or on the wall, you can enjoy it coordinated with the rest of the room.
|
 |
 |
We present to you a moment of relief, using masu techniques in the design.
Because it harmonizes with any interior, Japanese or Western,
go ahead and use it as the accent to the room! |
 |
Shop Owner Hiroyuki Oohashi |
 |
The Masu Shop, continuing to produce masu based on a wealth of ideas. Located in Oogaki, Gifu Prefecture, which produces 80% of masu made in Japan. After receiving an order, the Masu Shop's craftspeople carefully handwork them one by one.
While upholding traditional techniques, the Masu Shop continues to create unique masu suited to the modern lifestyle. It has received attention from television and magazines.
We accept orders for large volumes and customized designs.
Please do not hesitate to contact us using the inquiry form. |
|
|
|
