This piece is entirely Japanese in its origins. The woods are two different ancient “Jindai” woods that share the same origins. The handle is Jindai Sugi Cedar and the shaft is Jindai Ash wood. This wood is approximately 2600 years old, and was buried under a volcanic eruption from Mt. Chokaisan. A massive, and famous volcano in Japan, Chokaisan had a large eruption 2600 years ago that caused a collapse of its summit and what’s called the Kisakata debris avalanche. The rocks and soil that collapsed flowed north-northwestward and were deposited widely in the current Kisakata and Nikaho towns. The volume of debris is estimated to be 3 to 4 billion cubic meters of earth. It’s under all of this debris that some of the ancient forest has been preserved without decay from lack of oxygen, and some has been excavated.

The Japanese word “Jindai” means “The age of the Gods”, and speaks to the age of the material; its so old that its considered part of mythology! Its a privilege to offer such amazing and unique material in my work. Extremely little of this wood exists and of what does only a tinny fraction of it has ever left Japan.

Finally, this cane has end pieces of Japanese craftsman metal called Mokume Gane. Mokume Gane originated in Japan about 350 years ago and its name literally means “wood grained metal” and was initially incorporated into Japanese samurai swords. Produced much like Damascus steel but using thin layers of copper and nickel that create attractive patterns depending on how the smith hammers the materials. This premium, jewelry grade material is still black smithed by hand one small billet at a time. This is my second cane ever using Mokume Gane.

This piece is beautiful. It has a vibe that I consider rustic yet craftsman looking, the way the metal and woods present themselves. A perfectly functional cane. Total length measures 38” and can be shortened to fit.

For more information on Mt. Chokaisan and its volcanic activity, visit this Smithsonian Institute web page: https://volcano.si.edu/volcano.cfm?vn=283220

The last image is of Mt. Chokaisan

M A T E R I A L S

Handle – Ancient Jindai Sugi

Dividers – copper, Brass, Ancient Jindai Sugi

Shaft – Ancient Jindai Ash

Mokume Gane end plates

Rubber tip

Every Gillis Cane is a photographed original, you’ll always receive the exact cane in the images.