Kumiko, the Art of Wood Joinery and Design, Carrying on Tradition to the Present

Written by Pete Leong

In this workshop, I observed and experienced “kumiko,” a technique of assembling small pieces of wood to create patterns on the surface of traditional Japanese furniture, such as fusuma and shoji, and other fittings. Kumiko is made by cutting and mortising the wood, without using nails. This technique is said to have developed in the Muromachi period (1392-1573) along with the Shoin-zukuri style of samurai housing.

Firstly, we learned about wood processing through a tour of the factory by Mr. Yuji Kuroda, the third generation of the family, when we visited the workshop.

The beautiful wood with straight annual rings and few knots was grown for 70 to 80 years by mountain foresters and then sawn by lumberjacks. The number of craftsmen who are indispensable to Japanese building, such as foresters who have grown trees for generations, and artisans such as tatami mat makers and plasterers, is declining due to the decreasing demand for Japanese-style houses.

After the wood has dried, it is cut with a plane. The wood is cut to the same thickness for the tens of thousands of kumiko pieces. The wood is cut at an angle with a special blade in order to join the pieces and create patterns. The craftsmen who make the cutting tools are also indispensable in the process of making kumiko.

After the tour of the workshop, it was time to experience kumiko making! You can try your hand at making coasters or pot stands, with the pot stands being larger and less difficult. There are five different patterns to choose from. The traditional patterns are hemp leaves and cherry blossoms, both of which have been loved since ancient times for their association with good luck.

The cherry blossom pattern is a wish for anabundant harvest.

My partner and I both had a go at making a cup coaster and pot stand. I found it quite satisfying and almost zen-like putting in all the little pieces and seeing them connect together with precision. A bit like making a Lego structure and a jigsaw puzzle combined. 

We use our small works of art every day on the coffee table as coasters for our drinks. The wood has a very nice smell, too!

After the hands-on experience, we went to see the shoji screens and fusuma screens that had been designed in the kumiko style, at Yuji-san’s home. His home had every wall lined with a jaw-dropping array of kumiko artwork.

These sliding doors were made with a design depicting Himeji Castle in Hyogo Prefecture. They consist of about 100,000 parts, and are made from different types of wood such as cypress and cedar to create different colors and patterns. The coasters we made this time only had 24 parts, so 100,000 parts seem like a mind-boggling task.

I was also shown a letterbox that was presented to the leaders of the countries visiting Japan during the G7 Ise-Shima Summit held in Mie Prefecture in 2016.

Each and every wooden fitting at Yuji-san’s home was a stunning work of art. But I was particularly in awe of the mechanical displays which would activate when movement by people was sensed. Beautiful rotating cogs and the shadows they cast were mesmerizing to watch. Yuji-san went on to tell us how he had won several awards for design and craftsmanship, including Prize of 50th Prime Minister. I’m not at all surprised.

The products of Sashikan Tategu Kogei can be also seen at the Shikanoyu Hotel and Kotobuki-Tei in Komono Town, Mie.

It is only with the support of many craftsmen that we are able to enjoy the beauty of Kumiko. Yuji-san’s explanation of the process of making kumiko has deepened my understanding and appreciation of this traditional craft.

In Komono Town, where the Sashikan Tategu Kogei is located, there are many other people who support the traditional culture that enriches our lives. I will be visiting there again to learn more about the history of wonderful Komono Town and Mie.

Opening hours: 9:30- or 13:30- on the 3rd Saturdays of every month

Fee: 2,000 yen for a coaster, 3,000 yen for a pot stand