Woodworking traditions from my vacation in Japan

Last year, I went on a trip to Japan and visited a few traditional woodworking shops in Kyoto. Seeing the tansu chests being made was eye-opening! The craftsmen used only hand tools and complex joints without any metal fasteners. One guy showed me a dovetail variation I had never seen before. It made me appreciate the skill involved in their cabinetmaking. Back in my shop, I've been practicing some of those techniques, but it's a slow process. Have any of you incorporated ideas from woodworking traditions abroad into your own work? I'm curious to know how it went!

3 comments

3 Comments

finley_foster1mo ago

After seeing @fox.hannah's point, it's about patience.

norabrown1mo ago

You said seeing those tansu chests was eye opening. But is it really that big of a deal? We have power tools for a reason now, right?

fox.hannah1mo ago

Yeah Nora it's not about the tools, it's about seeing how the joints fit without any nails. Once you see that up close, you'll get why the old way still matters.