Traditional craftwork from Edo era”Hakone Yosegi” is a traditional woodcraft which originated in Hatajuku, Hakone-machi at the end of Edo era. Differently colored and textured wood such as horse chestnut or mulberry tree, etc., are put together to make a geometric mosaic. Next, the patterned wood is thinly shaved and is pasted on craftwork such as boxes, vases, and coasters. The finished product is different from a painted product or inlay work, and has a somewhat foreign atmosphere. ”Yosegi” are well-known for their ”secret boxes” or ”Chinese boxes” which need to be opened a certain way. |
Developing traditionWe visited Katsuhiro Kanazashi who uses techniques developed to pass on the tradition. However, his technique carves out the patterned wood. Not the usual pasting of the thinly sliced patterned wood on woodwork, but directly carving the patterned wood into a product. This technique makes it possible to introduce curved lines to the piece. For example, if you cut the ”Yosegi” diagonally, oval shaped patterns appear. Using this technique, he has created a number of new patterns and gave a new aspect to this traditional craft. |
Making the winning cup using ”Yosegi”Hakone is famous for the annual ”Hakone Ekiden” during the New Years holidays. The winning cup is made by Kanazashi. He has been making the cup for the last 16 years. They wanted to make a trophy that represents Hakone, and Kanazashi was asked to make the cup. |
ACCESS
- Kanazashi Woodcraft Co., Ltd.
- 135 Hatajuku, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
- URL http://www.kanazashi-woodcraft.com/