WOOD WORK

Description

Japan is home to a wide range of climates and trees. Since ancient times, people have used wood to make quality dishes, boxes, and other articles. Woodwork is the art of creating articles and utensils that emphasize the beautiful grain patterns characteristic of wood. As a result, the process of selecting the wood is a crucial starting point for any piece of woodwork.

Process

  • 1 The wood is selected
  • 2-1 Wooden panels are joined together
  • 2-2 The wood is hollowed out
  • 2-3 The wood is turned on a lathe
  • 2-4 The wood is bent
  • 3 Finishing touches

Artistic Techniques

  • Reference: Nihon Kōgeikai Higashi Nihon Shibu (Japan Kōgei Association Eastern Branch), ed., Dentō kōgei-tte nani? – miru, shiru, tanoshimu gaido bukku (What Are Traditional Crafts? –A Guidebook to Seeing, Learning, and Enjoying). Unsodo, 2013.
REFERENCE ARTWORKS

BAMBOO WORK

Description

Of the over six hundred varieties of bamboo that grow in Japan, only ten or so are used for bamboo work. Bamboo is pliable, resilient, and does not break easily. Due to these qualities, bamboo has been used to make daily tools and utensils since prehistoric times. Large numbers of flower baskets and offering trays made from bamboo are preserved among the artifacts at the Shōsōin Repository in Nara.
The traditional techniques of bamboo work are still practiced today, and beautiful bamboo objects and utensils play an important role in the tea ceremony, ikebana flower arranging, and interior design.

Process

  • 1 Thin strips of bamboo are prepared for weaving
  • 2-1 The bamboo strips are plaited together
  • 2-2 Constructed bamboo elements are interlaced
  • 3 Finishing touches

Artistic Techniques

Well-known crafts