The Genius of Japanese Carpentry: Secrets of an Ancient Woodworking Craft

The Genius of Japanese Carpentry is a book that showcases the intricate craftsmanship of the ancient Japanese carpenters who restored the 1200-year-old Yakushiji monastery in Nara. The monastery's reconstruction will not be fully completed until 2030, but one of the primary temples, the Picture Hall, has been restored using the same materials, tools, and techniques originally used in its creation over a millennium ago. The book includes extensive interviews with carpenters and woodworkers, original drawings based on the plans of master carpenter Tsunekazu Nishioka, and detailed photographs and diagrams showing the woodworking techniques, tools, and materials used.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 09 November 2021
Publisher: Tuttle Publishing

The Genius of Japanese Carpentry delves into the captivating story of the 1200-year-old Yakushiji monastery in Nara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the dedicated modern-day artisans who are tirelessly working to restore the invaluable treasures that have been ravaged by time, fire, and warfare. While the comprehensive reconstruction of the monastery will not be fully realized until 2030, one of its primary temples, the Picture Hall, has undergone a remarkable restoration using the same materials, tools, and techniques that were employed during its original construction over a millennium ago. This captivating book skillfully captures the awe-inspiring craftsmanship of ancient Japan, showcasing intricate puzzle-like joinery and the seamless integration of timber pieces to align them in the same direction as when they were still growing trees.

Originally published more than thirty years ago, this timeless masterpiece has earned its status as a classic. Author Azby Brown, a renowned expert on Japanese architecture, intricately chronicles the meticulous restoration process of the Yakushiji monastery through extensive interviews with carpenters and woodworkers, original drawings based on the plans of master carpenter Tsunekazu Nishioka, and detailed photographs and diagrams that showcase the woodworking techniques, tools, and materials used.

In this revised edition of the book, Mira Locher, another esteemed authority on vernacular and modern Japanese architecture, contributes a new foreword, providing fresh insights into the significance of this restoration project. The Genius of Japanese Carpentry serves as an inspiring testament to the unwavering dedication of these craftsmen and their profound philosophy of carpentry work as a means of personal fulfillment. It offers a comprehensive documentation of the restoration of this historic building, serving as a poignant reminder of the unique cultural continuity that exists in Japan.

Weight: 808g
Dimension: 217 x 279 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9784805316689