Craft exhibitions this week: Tokyo & Kyoto. For the full month’s schedule—see our website.

This low table is made from paulownia wood, a versatile material favored by Japanese craftspeople for both its beauty and durability. This strong and stable wood is warp-resistant and has the highest strength-to-weight ratio of any forest product. The joinery is accented with a thin layer of black persimmon wood. — Sashimino 指物 is wood crafting at its highest level. Produced without nails, sashimono includes fitted boxes for especially fine masterworks of craft such as ceramics, metal, bamboo, figurative art, lacquerware, kimono and more. Sashimono also includes various stands and furniture and the intricate parts of fine scrolls. This craft is based on a reverence for wood, working in cooperation with nature rather than fighting it. Precise joinery construction results in remarkable durability and longevity. Historically, Japanese craftsmen relied on joinery because originally iron was not readily available in Japan. Hozo grooves are carved into the wood to join two pieces with perfect slots (mortises) in a way that is not visible. Though often thought of as simple, the wood joints can be highly complex, such as with tsunagi that incorporates highly refined geometric patterns. There are dozens of joint types, ranging in complexity from very simple to highly complicated. @hyodo.zepp

This paulonia chabako box was made to hold a tea bowl and simple implements. The calligraphic carving is a lovely poem from the 1000-year-old Tales of Ise, of Japanese classic literature, giving voice to a young couple exchanging their mutual love from afar, where they recall their youth and reflect on how they have since grown. — Sashimino 指物 is wood crafting at its highest level. Produced without nails, sashimono includes fitted boxes for especially fine masterworks of craft such as ceramics, metal, bamboo, figurative art, lacquerware, kimono and more. Sashimono also includes various stands and furniture and the intricate parts of fine scrolls. This craft is based on a reverence for wood, working in cooperation with nature rather than fighting it. Precise joinery construction results in remarkable durability and longevity. Historically, Japanese craftsmen relied on joinery because originally iron was not readily available in Japan. Hozo grooves are carved into the wood to join two pieces with perfect slots (mortises) in a way that is not visible. Though often thought of as simple, the wood joints can be highly complex, such as with tsunagi that incorporates highly refined geometric patterns. There are dozens of joint types, ranging in complexity from very simple to highly complicated. Sashimono boxes are known for their precision closing lids. Unlike hardwoods that lock out air, paulownia wood boxes allow the air to flow through into the box; it is also heat and moisture resistant. On very humid days the paulownia wood absorbs the moisture but does not allow it to enter the box. When humidity drops the wood dries allowing air to flow through into the box again. This is important for reducing mold or mildew inside the boxes.  @hyodo.zepp

【Craft Leader】Kenta HIRAI Wood Furniture / Nara Kenta HIRAI combines exceptional design sensibility with high-level designer skills to produce contemporary wooden furniture using local Yoshino cedar* from Nara Prefecture. Almost knot-free, this wood is known for its fine and uniform annual rings and exceptional color, luster, and fragrance. “I've always had a strong interest in design and am especially passionate about making things by hand.” Years ago as an art university student, “I was obsessed with questioning conventions and stereotypes, and longed to make furniture that changes our mindsets” — furniture that has not been seen before. Using free-form lamination, an evolving methodology, Hirai can make furniture in unprecedented shapes. Because his process does not use molds, it allows for a more flexible forming methods that exceeds the limitations of molds.  Japanese cedar is generally considered unsuitable for furniture because of its light weight and softness. Taking inspiration from his love of Yoshino cedar, Hirai has successfully employed the technique of layering and crimping many thin veneers of the wood with an adhesive and is able to achieve the strength required in furniture. Finally, he applies “tatara,” a water-repellent ceramic coating developed by fellow JapanCraft21 Craft Leader, Tokunaga Furniture Studio (see 2022 Craft Leaders), which penetrates deep into the wood fibers, and allows the natural expression and beauty of the cedar wood to be preserved, while adding further strength to ordinarily soft cedar.  * There are many varieties of Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria Japonica) that grow throughout the archipelago. @studiojig