工房 kei emerged from humble beginnings in the 1990s. Kei Yamamoto grew up hearing tales of his grandfather's workshop, where simple tools created lasting items. The move to Kyoto allowed him to study under established masters who guarded techniques like mortise and tenon joinery. What began as a personal passion project evolved into a full studio after years of refinement.
Early challenges tested the founder's resolve. Limited resources forced creative solutions, such as sourcing local timber from nearby forests. These constraints sharpened skills and built a reputation for quality over quantity. By the early 2000s, word spread among collectors who valued pieces that felt both timeless and relevant.
Today, the workshop maintains its original ethos while expanding slightly. The Kyoto setting remains central, offering an environment rich with cultural context that shapes every decision made inside the studio.
