These Yakisugi platters are ideal for serving tasty nibbles: sushi, bruschetta, tapas, cheese… they are both striking and versatile, and make a great addition to any table. The contrast of the intense black wood with foods is a beautiful combination, and really makes the colours of the dishes you serve ‘pop’. Each platter has a handle to make passing around your table easier. These platters are handmade from locally salvaged solid cedar. The colour is a result of Yakisugi, or charring. Yakisugi is a 16th century Japanese technique that involves using only fire to colour, seal, and preserve hard woods. Charring the wood is followed by cooling, combing, sanding, and cleaning. The final part of the making is coating the platter with a natural oil. What results has a new form, texture and feel, smell and presence. It really is a magical process! Yakisugi results in a resilient surface, and it is also an entirely natural process - no dyes, glues or chemicals are used! Because we use salvaged wood, we are reducing waste and giving a new life to materials that otherwise would be discarded. Not only useful and beautiful, but also kind to the environment! They make a great gift for foodies or those who love to serve their food with style.