“Yosegi-zaiku” is the term used for the traditional Japanese marquetry technique. It originated during Japan’s Edo period (1600 to 1868) in Hakone, a town located west of Tokyo (about 90 km). Using different grains, colours and textures of wood, mosaic designs are made to decorate the exterior surface of boxes and containers. The most famous is the Japanese puzzle “trick box” but there are also decorative items such as, jewellery boxes, vases, frames and drink coasters.
The Hakone area is blessed with diverse kinds of trees. The craftmen take advantage of the woods’ natural colors and shades and create geometric patterns with them. A number of different types of wood are used in the creation of yosegi. Both the spindle tree (Euonymus spp.) and Ilex macropoda are used for the colour white; aged wood from the Katsura tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) is used for black; Picrasma quassioides, mulberry (Morus alba) and the Chinese lacquer tree (Toxicodendron vernicifluum) are used for yellow; the camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora) and Maackia are used for brown, black walnut (Juglans nigra) for purple, the Japanese cucumber tree (Magnolia obovata) for blue and Chinese cedar (Toona sinensis) for red.
With various secret chambers that require very specific and elaborate patterns of movement to open, the Himitsu-Bako or personal secret/puzzle box is the most popular item of Yosegi. They have a variety of difficulties ranging from 2 to 72 moves.
"Muku" is a new technique of yosegi zaiku that originated in the Showa period (1926 to 1989). It carves out a seed board with connected mosaics to reshape it into a work. Above is shown a round small container with a lid. The original seed board is shown on the right side of the image. This method allows you to enjoy the beautiful mosaic patterns in the inner face of the small container. However, since only one work can be produced from one seed board, they cost more than the zuku marquetry.
Mizuhiki is an ancient Japanese art of knot-tying. This intricate craft has evolved over the centuries and is now cherished in modern Japan as both a holiday gift and a decorative element.
Gardens in Japan are more than just beautiful green spaces; they’re an art form that reflects the country’s history, culture, and philosophical ideas.
We hear often that “Less is more”. Hmmm, what exactly does it mean?! Perhaps the artwork “Sumi-e” can visually explain it.
Halloween, a festival that originated in the Western world, has gradually found its way into the heart of Japan.
No guns, no weapons, Karate is a self-defense technique to fight with bare hands