Piece together kumiko, the lattice-like woodcraft requiring no nails or glue
2 hour private experience
Location: Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture
Offered in Japanese, with a friendly Deeper Japan guide interpreting in your language
A minimum of 2 guests is required to book. Solo participants are welcome but will be charged the 2-person rate
Meet the Master
What you’ll do
Tour the factory of the third-generation tategu artisan, then learn about the history of the workshop and the craft. Finally, try your hand at creating a small kumiko picture stand utilising traditional patterns such as asa-no-ha, kasane-rindo, and goma.
Who can attend
Children must be 7+
What to wear
Clothing that you don't mind getting a little dirty and that you can move around in freely
Availability
Everyday
Session 1 (13:00 - 15:00)
Access
30 minutes by car from Takamatsu Station
25 minutes by car from Takamatsu Airport
Piece by Piece
Cut and shaped with precision, with the exact angles and length, the small individual segments of wood are carefully and firmly slid into place to create intricate geometric designs following traditional patterns dating back to the Heian period. Typically used to decorate shoji screens, transoms, and furniture, kumiko traces its origins back over 1,000 years, evolving during the Asuka and Heian periods, with Edo period artisans refining the precision joinery and decorative motifs still admired today. At this factory workshop, the third-generation tategu, or joinery, artisan has turned to kumiko as a way to create new and modern creations. When traditional Japanese homes were the norm, tategu artisans would be constantly busy with making the interior of the homes, including doors and windows. As these types of homes and interiors have declined in demand, this tategu artisan turned to creating furniture, as well as focusing on kumiko, a decorative element added to shoji doors and windows, to create everyday objects and accessories. Join a third-generation tategu artisan in his factory workshop and delve into the method and craft of kumiko.
Cancellation Policy
Please make your booking at least 7 days in advance. See cancellation policy here.
A detailed itinerary will be emailed to you once your booking has been confirmed.
