ちいさな村のひょうたん屋 terntern

About terntern

About terntern

Welcome to Terntern

We turn on the lights
and there awaits a special world enshrined in a gourd
our hearts feel uplifted
and our daily concerns melt away

ternternの想い

STORY

Takao Ota

Born in Toyohashi, Japan
I loved making things as a child and started making ethnic jewelry in my teens.
My avid curiosity to try many things led me to southeast Asia in my 20s where I encountered a Djembe drum for the first time.
My love for music later led me to Africa where I joined a traditional music workshop and I discovered a world which fulfilled both my love for music and creating things.
It was in Africa that I also discovered the world of gourds and saw how they were used in so many ways in daily life including making instruments.

In 2017 I moved to Ogawa village in Nagano prefecture. I had the chance to see a speaker made out of a gourd at a friend's house and it had a huge impact on my life. I recalled the time I spent in Africa and was also reminded of ancient Japan where I could imagine gourds being used in daily life. This was when I first felt inspired to create things out of gourds.

Special lamps are created from the gourds which I cultivate and harvest myself.

It's hard to explain why but all I know is that I love gourds!

Takao Ota

Sewing seeds in spring - autumn harvest

Takao Ota

1. After the winter snow has melted the gourd seeds are planted in the spring.

Takao Ota

2. During summer the vines are cut in order to maximize the sunshine and then in autumn when the gourds becomes hard they are ready to be harvested.

Takao Ota

3. I then make a hole in the gourds and immerse them in water. The rotten flesh inside is removed and in order to leave no stains, the inside is cleaned out with water several times. Once the gourds are dried out and become lighter, they are ready to be made into something.

To complete the work

When I receive a lamp order, I like to discuss directly with my customers in order to select the gourd type, size, design etc

Other products: spice holder, vase cover, clock, tray, magnet, ornament, earrings, speaker

* For orders please go to the online shop.

Thank you for visiting Terntern.

Takao Ota
Takao Ota
Takao Ota
Takao Ota
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