Detail from a Folding Screen
Kumiko folding screen, 2019
Sakae Tategu Kōgei
Japanese castor aralia (lignitized), Japanese cedar, Japanese whitebark magnolia (lignitized), Japanese cherry, Japanese whitebark magnolia, Kiso hinoki cypress, Chinese pyramid juniper, katsura (lignitized), Japanese sumac (urushi), Japanese whitebark magnolia (sapwood), Chinese cedar
This complex kumiko work depicts a mountainous landscape, draped in mist. By applying the design to a folding screen (byōbu), the viewer can feel immersed within the surrounding landscape.*
Kumiko latticework
Kumiko refers to the intricate latticework used in Japanese architectural fittings (tategu) such as shōji – translucent, sliding partition screens; ranma – decorative transoms; and tsuitate – freestanding, movable partition screens. The origins of kumiko likely date back to the Kamakura period (1185–1333), with techniques passed down through generations. The central process involves crafting thin, delicate pieces
of wood and assembling them in various geometric patterns to form a seamless surface. This advanced technique was further developed in the latter half of the 20th century. While high-quality, straight-grained hinoki cypress is typically preferred, integrating contrasting natural colours from a variety of woods can give Kumiko works an expressive painterly quality.*
From the exhibition
The Craft of Carpentry Drawing Life from Japan’s Forests
(March – July 2025)
This exhibition reveals the essence of Japanese carpentry in three ways: through the work of temple and shrine carpenters (dōmiya daiku); that of teahouse carpenters (sukiya daiku); and joinery techniques (kigumi).
Since ancient times, Japan’s craftspeople have been shaping their social environment. Their work continues to permeate all aspects of life, contributing to everything from the everyday to the most sacred grand designs. Within this society, people have always been grateful for the blessings of nature and revered the innumerable kami – spirit-deities – residing in the natural world. Carpenters and woodcutters respectfully seek forgiveness from the forest kami before gathering the raw materials for their work. Understanding the individual qualities of trees and their environment is crucial to their activities.
The great 20th-century craftsman Nishioka Tsunekazu laid out a number of key principles. For temple construction, he advised using wood from a single mountain, and understanding the wood’s natural curves. Choosing the right wood is vital: trees grown on higher mountain slopes are ideal for structural elements such as beams and pillars, while those in the lower valleys are better for finishing materials. When used correctly, wood can last for generations. Timber is only a renewable resource if the growth period of the tree and the life of a building align. If we use a 1,000-year-old tree, we need to be prepared to take on more than 1,000 years of responsibility for the building we create.
The precision of Japanese woodworking is deeply rooted in a respect for nature, expressed through highly refined techniques and tools. In a land where iron is scarce, carpenters developed advanced joinery methods that do not rely on the use of nails. As we reconsider our relationship with our planet, these practices offer a wisdom that continues to resonate today.
[*Japan House]
Taken in Japan House
Detail from a Folding Screen
Kumiko folding screen, 2019
Sakae Tategu Kōgei
Japanese castor aralia (lignitized), Japanese cedar, Japanese whitebark magnolia (lignitized), Japanese cherry, Japanese whitebark magnolia, Kiso hinoki cypress, Chinese pyramid juniper, katsura (lignitized), Japanese sumac (urushi), Japanese whitebark magnolia (sapwood), Chinese cedar
This complex kumiko work depicts a mountainous landscape, draped in mist. By applying the design to a folding screen (byōbu), the viewer can feel immersed within the surrounding landscape.*
Kumiko latticework
Kumiko refers to the intricate latticework used in Japanese architectural fittings (tategu) such as shōji – translucent, sliding partition screens; ranma – decorative transoms; and tsuitate – freestanding, movable partition screens. The origins of kumiko likely date back to the Kamakura period (1185–1333), with techniques passed down through generations. The central process involves crafting thin, delicate pieces
of wood and assembling them in various geometric patterns to form a seamless surface. This advanced technique was further developed in the latter half of the 20th century. While high-quality, straight-grained hinoki cypress is typically preferred, integrating contrasting natural colours from a variety of woods can give Kumiko works an expressive painterly quality.*
From the exhibition
The Craft of Carpentry Drawing Life from Japan’s Forests
(March – July 2025)
This exhibition reveals the essence of Japanese carpentry in three ways: through the work of temple and shrine carpenters (dōmiya daiku); that of teahouse carpenters (sukiya daiku); and joinery techniques (kigumi).
Since ancient times, Japan’s craftspeople have been shaping their social environment. Their work continues to permeate all aspects of life, contributing to everything from the everyday to the most sacred grand designs. Within this society, people have always been grateful for the blessings of nature and revered the innumerable kami – spirit-deities – residing in the natural world. Carpenters and woodcutters respectfully seek forgiveness from the forest kami before gathering the raw materials for their work. Understanding the individual qualities of trees and their environment is crucial to their activities.
The great 20th-century craftsman Nishioka Tsunekazu laid out a number of key principles. For temple construction, he advised using wood from a single mountain, and understanding the wood’s natural curves. Choosing the right wood is vital: trees grown on higher mountain slopes are ideal for structural elements such as beams and pillars, while those in the lower valleys are better for finishing materials. When used correctly, wood can last for generations. Timber is only a renewable resource if the growth period of the tree and the life of a building align. If we use a 1,000-year-old tree, we need to be prepared to take on more than 1,000 years of responsibility for the building we create.
The precision of Japanese woodworking is deeply rooted in a respect for nature, expressed through highly refined techniques and tools. In a land where iron is scarce, carpenters developed advanced joinery methods that do not rely on the use of nails. As we reconsider our relationship with our planet, these practices offer a wisdom that continues to resonate today.
[*Japan House]
Taken in Japan House