Craftsmanship and Nature: A Discussion on the Japanese Artisan's Perspective

Craftsmanship and Nature: A Discussion on the Japanese Artisan's Perspective

In the heart of our Gallery on Level 2, an enlightening exhibition, "Masters of Carpentry: Melding Forest, Skill, and Spirit," is open to the public from 11.20.2024 (Wed.) to 01.22.2025 (Wed.). This captivating exhibition, curated by Marcelo Nishiyama, Associate Director at The Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum, celebrates the enduring legacy of Japanese craftsmanship and its harmonious relationship with nature.

The exhibition offers a deep dive into the philosophy and practices that define this unique art form. Guests will learn how Japanese carpenters' values shape the careful selection of materials, the intricate wood joinery techniques, and the distinction between specialized types like Dōmyo daiku (temple and shrine carpenters) and Sukiya daiku (teahouse carpenters).

The classic maxim "God is in the details" resonates deeply with the spirit of Japanese carpentry. Master carpenters, especially miyadaiku (shrine and temple carpenters), are trained not only to work wood but to listen to it through sensory experiences such as the scent of timber and the sound of a plane on the grain. Their work embodies harmony with nature and transmits spiritual energy through generations, as seen in sacred reconstructions like the Shikinen Sengū at Ise Grand Shrine, renewed every 20 years using traditional methods.

The presentation will shed light on two types of carpentry prominently featured in the exhibition - Dōmyo daiku and Sukiya daiku. Dōmyo daiku constructs spiritual and cultural monuments like temples and shrines, prioritizing durability and spiritual symbolism. Sukiya daiku, on the other hand, builds tea houses with a focus on aesthetic subtlety, blending simplicity, asymmetry, and natural materials to create contemplative spaces.

The program includes a post-talk Q&A session, providing guests with an opportunity to delve deeper into the fascinating world of Japanese carpentry. The exhibition hours are Mon. - Fri. from 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM and Sat. - Sun. from 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM. Admission to the exhibition is free.

We encourage visitors to explore the exhibition prior to the start of the program, which commences at 7:00 PM on a specific date. The program outline includes doors opening at 6:30 PM, opening remarks at 7:00 PM, the presentation at 7:10 PM, and the audience Q&A at 8:00 PM.

Join us for an enriching evening as Marcelo Nishiyama shares key aspects of daiku culture, illuminating the holistic relationship between forest, skill, and spirit in Japanese carpentry. The exhibition features a full-scale teahouse and a recreated section of a hip-and-gable roof from the temple at Yakushi-ji, offering a tangible glimpse into this timeless craft.

[1] Source: https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2071.html [2] Source: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Japanese-architecture/The-architecture-of-shrines-and-temples [3] Source: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Japanese-architecture/The-architecture-of-tea-houses [4] Source: https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2071.html [5] Source: https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2071.html

1. The "Masters of Carpentry: Melding Forest, Skill, and Spirit" exhibition, held in the gallery on Level 2 from 11.20.2024 to 01.22.2025, highlights the enduring legacy of Japanese carpentry within the broader context of culture, architecture, and lifestyle.
2. Embracing tradition while showcasing innovation, the exhibition delves into the deep-rooted philosophies and practices of Japanese carpentry, shedding light on the importance of materials, techniques, and specialized types of carpenters like Dōmyo daiku and Sukiya daiku.
3. As the curator, Marcelo Nishiyama, a renowned figure from The Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum, merges technology and craft in this exhibition, creating a captivating display that includes a full-scale teahouse and a recreated section of a hip-and-gable roof from the temple at Yakushi-ji.
4. The exhibition offers free admission, with extended hours on weekends, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the intricate world of Japanese carpentry before attending the post-talk Q&A session.
5. On a specific date, guests can participate in an enriching evening program featuring Marcelo Nishiyama's insights into daiku culture, exploring the symbiotic relationship between forest, skill, and spirit in this ancient craft.
6. By attending this exhibition and program, one can appreciate the harmony between tradition and innovation in Japanese culture, ultimately gaining a deeper understanding of the art, craft, and lifestyle associated with tea, home-and-garden, and architecture.

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