The Craft of Carpentry: Drawing Life from Japan’s Forests – New Exhibition at Japan House London
Discover the serene world of Japanese carpentry. Japan’s highly developed carpentry culture is rooted in a deep respect for nature and the forests. Japan House London’s new exhibition, ‘The Craft of Carpentry: Drawing Life from Japan’s Forests’ guides visitors through thousands of years of woodworking traditions behind temples and shrines.
@urbanadventurerldn ⚠️ New exhibition alert ⚠️ 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘾𝙧𝙖𝙛𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙮: 𝘿𝙧𝙖𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙇𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙅𝙖𝙥𝙖𝙣’𝙨 𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙨 at Japan House London [MORE INFO IN BIO] Discover the serene world of Japanese carpentry 🪵 Japan House London’s new exhibition, ‘The Craft of Carpentry: Drawing Life from Japan’s Forests’ guides visitors through thousands of years of woodworking traditions behind temples, shrines and teahouses 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩 🪵 A full-size Japanese teahouse 🪵 Interactive corner 🪵 Touch and smell experience 🪵 Intricate latticework (wooden decor the looks like lace) 🪵 Special events, demonstrations and workshops connected to the exhibition e.g. make your own coaster or chopsticks) 📍Japan House London | 101-111 Kensington High St, London W8 5SA 📆 12th March – 6th July 2025 🕰️ Mon – Sat: 10am – 8pm Sun & bank holidays: 12pm – 6pm NOTE: The gallery is closed on the 26th March from 5:30pm #japanhouselondon #japanhouse #japaneseculture #newexhibition #japan #japanese #japanthings #woodcraft #CapCut
♬ Japanese-style impression of koto and piano(1256571) – PUKASHELL MUSIC
Temples and Shrines, Teahouse Carpenters and Wood Joinery
Photo: Urban Adventurer
The exhibition focuses on three core aspects of Japanese carpentry: Dōmiya daiku (temple and shrine carpenters); sukiya daiku (teahouse carpenters); and kigumi (wood joinery) while uncovering over 1,000 years of woodworking techniques and carpentry culture deeply rooted in the respect of nature and trees.
Two-third of the Japanese archipelago is covered with forests, however, despite of the mountains, Japan has limited ore resources. This led to innovative techniques carpenters and craftsmen use to assemble wooden structures without using a single nail.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
The technique is called ‘kigumi’ and the tools and methods Japanese carpenters use allow them to build temples, shrines, teahouses and other structures and buildings that remain in perfect condition for centuries withstanding earthquakes and the weather.
Over 80 different tools are on display to give an insight to what it takes to build a house using ancient techniques, unique to Japan.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Artisans and craftsmen do not only have profound knowledge of different types of wood, but they also have a deep connection with nature. During gathering essential material for their work, they communicate with spirits of the forest, called ‘kami’.
Visitors have a chance to learn more about the special ceremonies conducted when constructing wooden budlings. Those ceremonies are so unique, very little-known outside of Japan.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
The exhibition upstairs features rarely seen footages of such rituals, and you also have a chance to see a set of ceremonial carpentry tools and ritual garment.
The link between nature and spirituality can be best illustrated in the work of ‘Dōmiya daiku’ (temple and shrine carpenters) because their role directly connects the material world to the spiritual realm.
Full-Scale Japanese Tea House and Interactive Experience
Photo: Urban Adventurer
In contrast to the heavy ‘dōmiya’ forms, ‘sukiya daiku’ (teahouse carpentry) is known for its light and elegant aesthetics.
Although, barely visible, nails – in fact – are used in teahouses. Carpenters use over 100 different types of nails. Each small nail is made by hand by hammering hot iron and blackened by smoking. The nails serve a variety of purposes, such as hanging utensils or flowers to dry.
Visitors to the exhibition can discover a full-scale construction of the Sa-an tea house. This teahouse perfectly demonstrates the sophisticated and elaborated techniques ‘sukiya daiku’ reach such high level of delicate intricacy by.
That teahouse was originally constructed in Kyoto’s Zen temple Daitoku-ji and today is considered as an ‘Important Cultural Property’ of Japan.
Structural model of Sa-an Teahouse
Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum
Image in courtesy of Japan House London
Anime lovers might recognise the structure from the beloved anime series: ‘Kimetsu no Yaiba’ (‘Demon Slayer’).
Intricate Latticework: ‘Kumiko’
Photo: Urban Adventurer
‘Kumiko’ refers to the intricate latticework used in Japanese architectural fittings, decorative transoms, freestandings and movable partition screens.
The origin dates back to the 12th – 14th centuries and passed through generations.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
The process involves crafting thin, delicate pieces of wood and assembling them in various geometric patterns, often without glue. Craftsmen use advanced folding techniques that allow the thin wood pieces to hold each other firmly without any glue.
In this way, the artist can create beautiful intricate landscapes and other patterns.
Interesting Facts
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Did you know that different types of trees can be identified through their smell? Make sure you visit the glass cube upstairs to have the opportunity to experience the most different types of native Japanese trees by smell.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Another interesting fact is that in the past design plans were not drawn on paper but boards of wood. That’s because paper can be easily damaged or worn out over time, whereas wooden board lasts much longer.
The interactive section of the exhibition gives hands-on experience of ’kigumi’ structures. Upstairs at the windows, you will find wooden elements you can play with puzzling them together.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Exhibition Curator Simon Wright, Director of Programming at Japan House, says:
“Carpentry is essential to everyday life in Japan, even today, and is celebrated both within the country and beyond for its careful craftsmanship. Centuries of treating the raw materials of Japan’s forests with respect has resulted in deep relationships between humans and trees. Environmentalism and sustainability are concepts that have been practiced by Japan’s carpenters for hundreds of years.”
The exhibition has come to life in cooperation with the Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum in Kōbe, Japan.
Nishiyama Marcelo
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Associate Director and Chief Curator, Nishiyama Marcelo, at the Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum, has curated and designed the exhibition.
Daiku culture has been in danger of disappearing since the second half of the 20th century. Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum has been collecting carpentry tools for over 40 years to preserve this incredible cultural heritage that has shaped Japanese culture.
Events and Workshops
Photo: Urban Adventurer
During the exhibition, Japan House London is hosting various special events, talks, demonstrations, and workshops.
Director of Programming, Simon Wright
Photo: Urban Adventurer
For example, you can make your Kumiko latticework coaster (places are very limited!), your own chopsticks or go for guided exhibition tour with curator Nishiyama Marcelo or Director of Programming, Simon Wright.
Japan House London Shop
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Japan House London’s shop has a separate section dedicated to exhibition related items.
Books, handmade wooden puzzles, wooden coasters, items from Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum and much more available to purchase.
Gin Speciality
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Guests to the press preview had the unique opportunity to taste a Gin made for the special occasion. It’s a very unique spirit with strong but very pleasant woody taste.
Curator Nishiyama Marcelo informed me that the Gin will most likely become available at Japan House London from April next year.
Practical Info
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Address
Japan House London | 101-111 Kensington High Street, London, W8 5SA
Opening Time
12th March – 6th July 2025
Mon – Sat: 10am – 8pm
Sun & bank holidays: 12pm – 6pm
NOTE: The gallery is closed on the 26th March from 5:30pm
Tickets
Admission is FREE | Booking recommended. You can book a time slot on Japan House London’s official website.
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