Discover one of the Hida region’s representative wood crafts with a demonstration of ichii ittōbori (yew woodcarving) by Washizuka Hiroshi, a woodworking craftsman and head of the Hida Takayama-based atelier Washizuka Chōkoku.
In ichii ittōbori, chisels are used to produce wood sculptures that emphasize the grain and hue of Japanese yew. The technique originated in the densely forested Hida region of Gifu Prefecture in central Japan and the technique continues to be used today to produce netsuke and other decorative objects. Carvers, using only an assortment of large and small chisels, skilfully utilize the natural variations in shade seen in Japanese yew. The chisel marks are not removed, so the sharpness of the chisel blades has a large impact on the appearance of final piece.
These demonstrations are part of a programme of events connected with the exhibition The Carpenter’s Line: Woodworking Heritage in Hida Takayama exhibition.