From Forest to Form: Japanese Carpentry at Shōya House

Name: From Forest to Form: Japanese Carpentry at Shōya House | The Huntington
Start: Sat, Nov 16 2024
Location: The Huntington

Event

Discover the artistry of Japanese carpentry like never before. In celebration of its upcoming “Masters of Carpentry: Melding Forest, Skill, and Spirit” exhibition, JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles will partner with The Huntington to host a live demonstration and hands-on experience at the Japanese Heritage Shōya House.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to try their own hand at using Japanese planes under the expert guidance of the guest carpenters, depending on time and availability. Led by master carpenter Akinori Abo—one of the daiku artisans who helped construct the “Masters of Carpentry” exhibition, opening Nov. 20 at JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles—this program will introduce participants to traditional Japanese woodworking philosophies and techniques. Attendees will learn about the evolution and use of Japanese woodworking tools, such as planes and chisels, followed by a live demonstration of ultra-thin planing from master Abo, whose record is an unbelievably thin 3 microns.

Learn more about JAPAN HOUSE LA’s exhibition “Masters of Carpentry: Melding Forest, Skill, and Spirit.”

Key Details

This interactive program is open to the public, and participants are welcome to drop in anytime between noon and 3 p.m. RSVP is not required.
Depending on time and availability, not all visitors may be able to have this hands-on experience.

A traditional Japanese home with a gravel courtyard on a sunny day.

A display case in a museum with various Japanese carpentry tools.

The original roof beams were used in the reconstructed framework of the house.

Close-up view of the blade of a tool against wood.

A display case with Japanese carpentry tools.

Exterior view of the Japanese Heritage Shōya House. Photo: Joshua White / JWPictures.com

| The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens.

The original roof beams were used in the reconstructed framework of the house. New framing was added when use of the original wood was not feasible. Photo by John Diefenbach.

| The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens.

The original roof beams were used in the reconstructed framework of the house. Photo by John Diefenbach.

| The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens.