Japanese joinery is a very traditional form of wooden architecture. It involves making wood furniture without nails or screws. This art was developed during the 12th century in China, with the result that it became a significant part of the architecture in Japan. Despite the fact that the techniques are ancient, the craftsmanship is still considered very high-quality.
Kyo sashimono
Japanese joinery is a tradition that is centuries old. Its origins are traced back to the Heian period, when Japan was influenced by stone crafts from China. After Buddhism arrived in Japan, various techniques were developed.
Kyo-sashimono is a style of joinery that evolved with the Imperial court culture. Its defining feature is that it uses wood that has been dried for a long time. In this way, it is capable of resisting moisture and heat. Historically, Kyo-sashimono focused on display cabinets and boxes for ritual tea ceremony utensils. But today, it is used for a variety of household items and residential architecture.
The term “sashimono” comes from the process of assembling wood without the use of nails. Several joint types are used by master carpenters. These include shiho kama tsugi (sliding joint) and hozotsugi (recessing plank).
Kyoto joinery is characterized by the use of paulownia wood. This species of wood is moisture resistant and is widely used for fine furniture. Paulownia is also known for its ability to withstand heat. To prepare the wood for use, impurities are removed from it. Afterward, the surface is polished using hana-ibotaro wax, which is made from scale insects’ secretions.
Kyoto joinery is finished with a combination of sanding, colored wax-wiping, and gold and silver leaf. In addition to its beauty, the traditional Japanese art of joinery is highly durable and reliable.
Tsugite
Tsugite is a Japanese joinery method of joining two or more pieces of wood together. It forms strong bonds without the use of screws or nails. This method is still used today in Japan and in other countries.
The technology is a good way to create a functional wooden structure in a short amount of time. The process uses no power tools and requires no nails or adhesives. In addition, the finished product is reusable.
A new software tool has been developed that allows you to design and fabricate tsugite joints with ease. Using this free 3D modeling application, you can select from a variety of ready-made designs, or start your own.
Tsugite’s interface incorporates the limitations of your fabrication device, and suggests ways to improve the overall joint. It’s also a helpful tool for learning how to properly use the different geometric criteria required by good joinery.
Another interesting feature of the software is its gallery mode. You can browse 81 illustrations of traditional wood joints. These include kawai tsugite, a type of tsugite that’s not as widely known.
Tsugite software has the ability to point out loose ends, potential friction areas, and other important details. While this may not sound like a lot, it’s a huge plus for any designer.
Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum in Kobe
Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum is a cultural facility located in Kobe, Japan. Founded in 1984, it’s the only museum in the country dedicated to carpentry tools. Visitors will learn about the history and development of traditional Japanese wood carpentry. There are over 20,000 instruments in the museum’s collection. The museum also sponsors workshops and seminars.
The museum’s displays are organized into seven different sections. These include the Japanese Carpentry Museum, which features a number of hands-on exhibits.
Another exhibit is the Takenaka Building Firm Museum, which was opened in commemoration of the firm’s 85th anniversary. It contains a large-scale structural replica of a tea house. This display shows off the delicate craftsmanship of sukiya architecture.
The museum also has a tearoom and a rock garden. Both areas are beautiful. Also, there are numerous workshops on woodworking. In addition, visitors can learn about traditional architectural techniques.
The building itself was constructed using traditional carpentry techniques. In the center of the museum, there’s a lightwell. You can also see a life-size model of a Japanese tea room.
Visitors can also explore the museum’s collection of planes and other instruments. Those interested in traditional woodworking can take workshops and demonstrations. As an added bonus, the building has a calming Japanese garden.
