Ai Kuromiya creates adorable works that make you feel as if a real cat is there. We talked to her about her work.
"I'm actually a cat lover who has never had a cat, and these works were created because I wanted to have a cat. I would like to create wooden carvings of cats that will make your heart flutter with excitement, just like when you see a cat on the street."
Ms. Kuromiya told us the story behind the creation of this wonderful piece.
Just when we were asking for a deal, a kitten came to live with us, the owners of the shop. I heard that Kuromiya's wish had come true through a connection with an artist, and that his longing for cats was what led to his adorable works. Even though it was a coincidence, I felt a strong connection and was happy and excited.
Ms. Kuromiya studied graphic design at the Faculty of Art and Engineering in university, and while working as an IT designer, she started woodcarving on her own. She says it was first inspired by a book called "Woodcarving Animals: A Beginner's Guide" by woodcarver Mio Hashimoto.
"I've always liked the work of various woodcarvers. But I couldn't find anything that I really wanted, so I decided to try making something that reminded me of a cat. Woodcarving is really fun, and the fact that you can't go back to the original once you've carved it suits my sensibilities. I used to draw pictures, but it was painful to erase and rewrite them so many times that it would never be complete. On the other hand, with woodcarving, you have no choice but to move forward, so I like the fact that you get closer and closer to completion."
These wonderful pieces have the delicate beauty and warmth that only woodworking can provide. Each piece is hand-carved and finished. 
The unique expressions and soft poses of cats are captured in the woodwork. No matter which one you look at, you can't help but chuckle.
The sparkling, striking eyes are the result of the Japanese lacquer coating. They are not too cute, but are also appealing in their realism.
"Since the items I make are just spoons and plates, I try to make things that I would want myself first. Ideally, I'd like to make things that people won't want to let go of and that they want to own," says Ms. Kuromiya.
She visits various exhibitions of her favorite animal sculpture artists, and recently has been making plates and spoons, so visits not only woodworking but also ceramic artists' works and various shops. It also looks at many overseas artists' works on the internet, not only Japanese ones but also on Pinterest, and gets inspiration from a variety of things.
While absorbing many things, she tries not to be influenced as much as possible. "The combination of wooden animals with the shapes of spoons and plates creates something unique," says Ms. Kuromiya, who says that the most important thing in her work is to create something unique. She also tells us, "I would like to establish my own style."
The memory of a wonderful encounter with an adorable cat is something I want to lock away in a treasure box. I create one-of-a-kind pieces, as if I were gently embracing each piece.
Click here for a list of Ms. Ai Kuromiya's items