Wagata 我谷 refers to the small village of Wagatani, in Ishikawa-ken prefecture, Japan; and Bon 盆 means tray. Traditionally crafted by roof shingle makers in Wagatani village, it is said that wagatabon have been made there since the early 17th century. Craftsmen split green chestnut logs to produce shingles, and kept the good pieces to carve the trays in winter. The craftsmanship disappeared after the village was flooded and evacuated in the 1960s before being resuscitated by a few Japanese artisans. Such as Tatsuaki Kuroda 黒田辰秋, Japan’s first living national treasure recognized for its woodworking.
Wagatabon carving know-how is today perpetuated by a handful of craftsmen in Japan and around the world.