Traditional Crafts

Okawa Wooden SculpturesWoodwork/bamboo work

Okawa wooden sculptures are a type of traditional latticework that are made with thin boards of Yakushima cedar to create works with a three-dimensional effect that harness the beauty of the intricate lines of the grain. These masterpieces combine the sensitivities of the craftsmen, who are able to look at each piece of wood and determine the forms the sculptures will take. This procedure also entails the use of techniques which have been honed through years of daily endeavor. Many of these works were created in the 19th century as decorations for shrines and temples. However, by the beginning of the 20th century, these advanced skills had become standardized, and the sculptures have become valued as artistic features in traditional Japanese homes, that combine functionality with decorative beauty.