Japanese Woodworking

This text shows how to use Japanese tools effectively and maintain them properly, and explains the role they play in traditional Japanese craftsmanship. It describes how to create razor-sharp cutting edges and introduces almost 50 different planes.

The Genius of Japanese Carpentry tells the story of the 1200-year-old Yakushiji monastery in Nara and the dedicated modern-day craftsmen who are working to restore what has been lost to the depredations of time, fire and warfare. Although the full monastery reconstruction will not be completed until 2030, one of the main temples, the Picture Hall, has been completely restored employing the same woodworking technology used to create the original building. This new edition of an architectural classic is by Azby Brown—one of the world's leading experts on Japanese architecture. It contains a new preface and many new text materials and photographs—most of them now available in color for the first time. Azby Brown chronicles the painstaking restoration of the temple through extensive interviews with the carpenters and woodworkers along with original drawings based on the plans of master carpenter Tsunekazu Nishioka. An inspiring testament to the dedication of these craftsmen and their philosophy of carpentry work as a form of personal fulfillment, The Genius of Japanese Carpentry offers detailed documentation of this singular project and a moving reminder of the unique cultural continuity found in Japan.

La menuiserie japonaise complète est le manuel le plus accessible et le plus complet disponible en anglais sur l'art du travail du bois au Japon. Ce livre couvre tous les aspects du métier complexe et exigeant du travail du bois japonais, y compris le soin et l'utilisation des outils, la disposition et le marquage du bois, la découpe des joints et leur assemblage final.

Japan is known to be a country of wood and "wood culture". Written sources on the practical aspect of traditional woodcraft, however, are scarce. For this reason it was decided to undertake a study based on in-depth interviews of craftsmen who are specialised in various fields of traditional woodworking. From the data thus obtained it was possible to study the materials used, the techniques, the nomenclature, the aesthetics and the culture prevailing in the various fields of woodcraft. As a result both the technical and the symbolic and aesthetic properties of wood and woodworking become apparent, as seen from the point of view of Japanese craftsmen who owe their skill and expertise to traditions passed from one generation to the next. As such, this study contributes towards opening a new field of research for art historians, ethnobotanists, archaeologists and japanologists by supplying them with new means and tools to supplement their own. Apart from that, the present study, focusing on wood in all its aspects as it does, ties in with an academic trend that has been developing in Japan over the past few decades.

Essential information for hobbyists and professionals; fully illustrated

Explains the proper use of the various types of Japanese saws, planes, chisels, sharpening stones, and measuring tools

Simple Japanese Furniture presents 24 simple and stylish furniture projects for the home based on timeless Japanese designs. Each project is presented with notes on the key design elements of each piece, the tools and techniques needed, and step-by-step instructions for completion. The designs are chosen to illustrate the structure of furniture and key principles in furniture building, and the techniques are well-suited to working with cuts of coniferous trees, especially cedar. Each project is described in a brief overview, with notes on degree of difficulty and an emphasis on key design elements.This isfollowedby a detailed descriptive sectionwithhelpfulillustrations. Will appeal to woodworkers and hand-tool enthusiasts, the book reflects growing interest in making simple, practical furniture for the home as well as an appreciation of Japanese design.