narrating the story
of wood
and its trans-formation
rabea gebler
Rabea Gebler is a German-born designer and craftsperson specializing in woodwork and traditional Japanese urushi lacquering techniques. After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Product Design, she discovered a passion for hands-on craftsmanship, particularly in wood carving. Her journey led her to Japan, where she immersed herself in local crafts, studying under master artisans to refine her skills in woodturning and urushi lacquering. In Japan, she co-founded Sentomono with her husband, Ido Ferber, blending traditional techniques with contemporary design to create pieces that honor material and form.
rabea gebler
THE PROCESS
Rabea Gebler is a German-born artist and craftsperson renowned for her skills in Japanese woodturning and urushi lacquering. Holding a Bachelor's degree in Product Design, she discovered her passion for hands-on craftsmanship after carving her first wooden spoon, leading her to immerse herself deeply in the art of woodwork. Her journey led her to Japan, where she specialized in traditional woodturning techniques and urushi lacquering—a meticulous process involving the application of natural lacquer harvested from trees to create durable and aesthetically pleasing finishes on wooden objects. Rabea honed her skills in the Ishikawa Prefecture, a region renowned for its rich history in lacquerware, where she also developed proficiency in the art of Wagatabon.
In her creative process, Rabea emphasizes the use of hand tools, often crafting her own, to leave intentional tool marks that narrate the story of the wood and its transformation. She specializes in turning small end-grain bowls intended for daily use, a practice that not only showcases the functionality of her pieces but also their inherent beauty.
Beyond her individual work, Rabea collaborates with her husband Ido Ferber, at their Yamanaka Onsen-based studio, Sentomono. Together, they blend traditional Japanese craftsmanship with contemporary design, creating pieces that honor material and cultural heritage.
Rabea's dedication to her craft has led her to share her knowledge and techniques through various platforms. She has been featured in demonstrations and is scheduled to be a featured demonstrator at the Rocky Mountain Woodturning Symposium and an invited artist in the 2025 American Association of Woodturners exhibition. Through her meticulous approach and deep respect for traditional methods, Rabea Gebler continues to contribute significantly to the preservation and evolution of woodturning and lacquerware arts, bridging cultural gaps and inspiring a renewed appreciation for handcrafted excellence.
DISCOVER
Discover Rabea Gebler’s handcrafted creations at our online shop, where each piece reflects exceptional skill and artistry. Explore our unique collection today and support the timeless tradition of craftsmanship.
