Custom Picture Frame Crafted from Reclaimed Pine for a Sumi-e Ink Painting

Custom Furniture, Doors, Built-ins, Repurposing, Repair & Maintenance | OJIKI Workshop

This project showcases a custom picture frame, handcrafted for a sumi-e ink painting, commissioned by a client in Koganei, Tokyo.

A custom frame that harmonizes with both the artwork and its surroundings—something off-the-shelf products cannot achieve.

The frame plays a vital supporting role in presenting artwork such as paintings, calligraphy, and sumi-e. With the goal of enhancing the artwork rather than competing with it, we crafted this frame from reclaimed Japanese red pine. To emphasize the natural grain of the wood, we applied a traditional uzukuri (wood-grain brushing) finish, creating a texture and character that beautifully complement the strength and serenity of the ink painting.

1. A Custom Frame Designed to Enhance a Sumi-e Painting

This project features a large custom wooden frame created specifically for displaying a traditional sumi-e ink painting.

A picture frame should never overpower the artwork—it should enhance and support the beauty of the piece itself. With this philosophy in mind, we created a simple yet distinctive design that complements the artwork without distracting from it.

The deep black finish beautifully highlights the delicate contrasts and expressive brushwork of the ink painting. As shown in the photographs, the frame and artwork come together naturally, creating a refined and harmonious presentation.

2. The Character of Reclaimed Japanese Red Pine

The frame is crafted from reclaimed Japanese red pine, a material that has developed rich character over many years. Unlike newly milled wood, reclaimed timber offers warmth, depth, and a unique sense of history.

Because of the frame’s large size, individual pieces were carefully joined using traditional woodworking joints to achieve both structural strength and a seamless appearance.

The natural patina of the reclaimed wood pairs beautifully with the timeless elegance and quiet dignity of the sumi-e painting.

3. A Premium Finish with Uzukuri Texture and Black Stain

To enhance the natural beauty of the wood, we finished the frame using the traditional Japanese uzukuri (wood-grain brushing) technique.

By brushing away the softer portions of the wood, the annual growth rings become more pronounced, creating a tactile surface that celebrates the natural texture of the timber.

The black finish was carefully selected to achieve several effects:

• Accentuate the wood grain
• Complement the aesthetics of traditional sumi-e artwork
• Add a sense of depth, elegance, and sophistication

Looking closely, every section of the frame reveals its own unique grain pattern, highlighting the individuality of natural wood.

4. Expert Craftsmanship for Large-Scale Artwork

This custom frame measures over two meters in height.

Creating a frame of this scale requires more than an attractive appearance. It also demands careful attention to:

• Structural strength
• Weight distribution
• Dimensional stability
• Precise miter joints

The finished frame maintains crisp, straight lines and beautifully executed corners while providing the durability needed to safely display a large artwork for many years.

5. Why Custom Frames Are the Perfect Choice for Artwork

Off-the-shelf frames often fall short because the size, material, color, or style doesn’t fully complement the artwork or the space where it will be displayed.

A custom frame allows every detail to be tailored, including:

• Exact dimensions for the artwork
• Choice of wood species
• Color and finishing method
• Wood grain character
• Frame width and thickness

For this project, the result is a frame that beautifully supports the unique atmosphere of the sumi-e painting while allowing the artwork itself to take center stage.

This frame is also featured in the Choshoji Temple Pine Project – Commemorative Video, where you can see it displayed in its finished setting.

Summary

This project introduced a custom picture frame for a sumi-e ink painting, handcrafted from reclaimed Japanese red pine.

Although a frame serves as a supporting element, its design and materials have a significant impact on how artwork is experienced. The reclaimed timber, traditional uzukuri texture, and elegant black finish come together to create a one-of-a-kind frame that perfectly complements the painting.

At OJIKI Workshop, we create custom frames for paintings, calligraphy, sumi-e, and many other forms of artwork. If you’re looking for a frame that enhances your artwork while harmonizing with its surroundings, we’d be delighted to help.

At OJIKI Workshop, we handle not only custom-made furniture and architectural woodwork, but also a wide range of repair and maintenance services, including restoration of high-gloss painted finishes on well-used furniture and the revival of antique furniture.
For detailed consultations and estimates, please feel free to contact us via our official LINE account, by phone, or through our inquiry form.

Phone: 046-204-5592 (Weekdays 9:00–18:00)

LINE: OJIKI Workshop Official Account

Email: Contact Page

《About OJIKI Workshop》
OJIKI Workshop manufactures and sells furniture, doors, and architectural woodwork made from solid natural wood.

In addition to selling our original products, we also provide custom-made furniture, remodeling, repair, and maintenance services for unused furniture, aged doors, and built-in woodwork that no longer suits modern lifestyles.
For remodeling, repair, and maintenance projects, we listen carefully to our clients’ requests regarding design, functionality, and usability before beginning production. This approach has earned us many words of appreciation from our customers.
We hope to meet the needs of customers who wish to use their wooden furniture and wooden architectural elements with care for many years to come.

⚫︎You want to repair and maintain beloved furniture or doors so you can continue using them for a long time.
⚫︎You want to remodel furniture that your family has used for many years so it better suits your current lifestyle.
⚫︎You want to order custom-made furniture or doors made from natural materials, with careful attention to both design and usability.
⚫︎You want to live in a healthier environment, both physically and mentally, by using natural materials in the furniture and doors of your home.
⚫︎You want to incorporate a relaxing environment with natural materials into your office.
⚫︎You want to create a shop that uses plenty of natural materials.
And more.

For consultations about furniture and architectural woodwork made from natural materials, please leave it to us at OJIKI Workshop.
We look forward to hearing from you.
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OJIKI Co., Ltd.
Wooden Furniture and Wooden Architectural Woodwork [Custom-Made, Remodeling, Repair]
Zama, Yamato, Sagamihara
5-49-16 Hibarigaoka, Zama City, Kanagawa 252-0003, Japan
Phone: 046-204-5592 (Weekdays 9:00–18:00)
Representative Director: Kenichi Okawa
Profile
Graduated from the Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, Tokai University
Graduated from Chippendale International School of Furniture in the United Kingdom
(Furniture making and antique furniture repair)
Trained for three years at Rengesou Motomachi Workshop
Based on the traditional production process of Yokohama furniture, which has continued for more than 100 years, he continues to explore new designs using materials such as iron, leather, and glass while engaging in woodworking every day.
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