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Japan has a rich tradition of carpentry, among other arts and crafts, which was represented in a full gamut of materials, techniques and products at InteriorLifestyle Tokyo. While we've already had a look at Ishinomaki's community-oriented approach, there were several other notable wood specialists throughout the show. Here are three of our favorites:
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Yoshihara Wood Works
Designer Keiji Yoshihara hails from Misumi Town in Shimane Prefecture, where he has mastered the technique of kumiko: creating pattern and form from precisely cut, interlocking strips of wood. While the method is over 800 years old, mechanical accuracy certainly helps to minimize the margin of error, freeing the designer to explore new possibilities for the process of 'weaving' the strips together.
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The kaze (wind) lamp has no glue or screws: the curvature is based on the infinitesimal angles at which each strip of hinoki (cypress) is cut. Yoshihara's description is succinct: "Bracketed wooden wall lamp shade made with the shape of 'wind' in mind."
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The designer has also adapted the technique to create what he calls "Border Kumiko," which can serve as subtle lighting, elegant trim or more overt (yet still understated) decorative wall-mounted elements.
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