Traditional Edo Kumiko Woodcraft Workshop

From the nailless, towering structure of Kyoto's Kiyomizudera Temple to the intricate, multicolored patterns of Hakone wood mosaic, Japanese woodworking and wood crafting have captured attention for over a millennia. Within the rich heritage of woodworking in Japan, kumiko stands out as a technique that is seemingly simple yet highly sophisticated. A lattice woodworking technique where thin wooden pieces are intricately slotted together to create an array of stunning designs, kumiko woodworking requires unbelievable precision down to the millimeter, as well as unyielding attention to detail. The elaborate structure of kumiko woodworking can be seen in traditional shoji sliding doors, folding wooden partitions, lamps and countless other areas, from high-end sushi restaurants to luxurious home interiors, and incorporate patterns with motifs of nature and the seasons. Join a 2nd-generation kumiko woodcraft artisan in his Tokyo-based studio and immerse into the captivating craft of kumiko.