The innovation of Japanese wood joinery is showcased here in a lounge chair, demonstrating how this ancient craft technique remains relevant and seamlessly integrated into contemporary design.
The art of Japanese wood joinery dates back to the 7th century, a time when woodworking was held in high esteem; with nothing but a saw and chisel, craftsmen erected entire houses. For the Japanese, both the beauty and structural integrity of wood are paramount. The intricate nature of joinery demands extensive expertise and patience, making it a rare and demanding craft in today’s world, where industry favors speed and cost efficiency over artisanal practices. Unfortunately, exquisite crafts like Japanese wood joinery often fall by the wayside.
I find this loss regrettable. Thus, I endeavor to innovate upon the principles of this ancient craft by marrying them with contemporary production techniques. By eschewing manual woodwork in favor of modern methods like CNC milling, significant time and cost savings are achieved without compromising on quality. The design continues to rely solely on the forces of push, pull, and tension, omitting the need for glue, nails, or screws.
The innovation of Japanese wood joinery is exemplified in this armchair, showcasing how this ancient craft technique remains relevant in contemporary design.
