The exhibition “Masters of Carpentry: Melding Forest, Skill and Spirit” welcomes visitors into the world of the Japanese daiku, or master carpenters – the guardians of the timeless traditions and cultural heritage of Japan’s wood craft.

In Japan, a rich tradition of carpentry and wood craftsmanship has flourished over centuries, nurtured by imperial and sacred architecture, and propelled by the nation’s economic and cultural development. Daiku, the revered masters of Japanese carpentry and woodcutting, have long honored nature, seeking the benevolence of mountain deities in gathering their materials. Central to their ethos is the imperative of sourcing wood in harmony with the forest, advocating for the meticulous selection of materials tailored to each application. Japanese woodworking practice, renowned for its precision, is thus rooted in a profound reverence for nature and environmental balance.

Despite the challenges of mountainous forest terrain and limited natural metal ore resources, Japanese master carpenters have displayed remarkable innovation, pioneering world-class carpentry tools and kigumi, wood joinery techniques characterized by their simplicity and efficiency. This exhibition pays homage to the Japanese carpenters – builders of temples, shrines, and teahouses – showcasing their tools and their indispensable joinery, from the delicate to the robust, inherent in this important cultural architecture.

This JAPAN HOUSE touring exhibition is produced in conjunction with the Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum in Kobe, Japan, and a symbol of the museum’s longevity and commitment to preserving the Japanese daiku culture. Marking its 40th Anniversary in 2024, the museum has continued to collect carpenters’ tools and reintroduce daiku culture which has been in danger of disappearing since the second half of the 20th century. The exhibition will debut at JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles before traveling to JAPAN HOUSE locations in London and São Paulo.