Kumiko is a Japanese traditional woodcraft which is used to decorate Shoji and Ranma
* Shoji – Japanese sliding doors consisting of wooden frames and Japanese paper
*Ranma – An openwork screen above the sliding door between rooms.
Thinly slit wooden pieces are grooved, punched and mortised by using a wood planer, saw, chisel and other tools without the use of nails. It is said that Kumiko is one of the best woodcraft in the world as it requires delicate and high technic to fabricate geometric design. Kumiko has a long history, it was created in Muromachi period (from 1336 to 1573) and since then Kumiko craftsman are handing down through generations with wisdom and passion
Passion for Kumiko
I am grateful to the artisans who have protected and passed on their techniques for 500 years, even in times of difficulty.
And now I have to pass on this mission to the next generation.
Fortunately, my four children succeed my business. We will continue honing our skills and studying to please our customers. As we are fated to meet our customers, we are fated to meet woods. We will keep producing Kumiko products while thankful for every woods.
8 years ago, I became a member of Contemporary Craftwork Designers Association Nagano-prefecture brunch to learn new artistic expression. In spring we send our product to Contemporary Craft Art Exhibition held at Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum in Ueno, and in fall we send our product to Nitten held in The National Art Center in Roppongi.
We submitted three-dimensional works which style of Kumiko was unprecedented, so it captured the eye of judges.
Besides continuing study, I am aiming to globalize Kumiko market to the world.
The important point is not only passing down the traditional skills but expanding market.