Kumiko - lattice work - Text • KIGUMI: Revelando a Carpintaria por Trás da Junta de Madeira

組子

Kumiko

Lattice work

Kumiko refers to the intricate lattice work used in Japanese architectural fittings (tategu) such as shōji – translucent, sliding partition screens; ranma – decorative transoms; and tsuitate – freestanding, movable partition screens. The origins of kumiko likely date back to the Kamakura period (1185–1333), with techniques passed down through generations. The central process involves crafting thin, delicate pieces of wood and assembling them in various geometric patterns to form a seamless surface. This advanced technique was further developed in the latter half of the 20th century. While high-quality, straight-grained hinoki cypress is typically preferred, integrating contrasting natural colours from a variety of woods can give kumiko works an expressive painterly quality.

三つ組手

1. Mitsu-kude

Basic triangle joint

組手

2. Kude

Element of basic triangle joint

八重桔梗麻の葉の部材

3. Yaekikyō-asanoha (eight-layer bellflower and hemp leaf) pattern component

八重麻の葉　部材

4. Yae-asanoha (eight-layer hem leaf) pattern component

八重麻の葉

5. Yae-asanoha (eight-layer hemp leaf) pattern

六角繋ぎ

6. Rokkaku-tsunagi (hexagonal links) pattern

ダリア

7. Dahlia pattern

送り紗陵形

8. Okuri-sayagata pattern

捻組

9. Neji-gumi (twisted assembly) pattern

桐材の一重菱面取り

10. Kirizai no hitoe-bishi mentori (paulownia wood single-layer bevelled diamond) pattern

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組子屏風

Kumiko folding screen

Sakae Tategu Kõgei

Japanese castor aralia (lignitized), Japanese cedar, Japanese whitebark magnolia (lignitized), cherry, Japanese whitebark magnolia, Kiso hinoki cypress, Chinese pyramid juniper, katsura (lignitized), Japanese sumac (urushi), Japanese whitebark magnolia (sapwood), Chinese cedar

2019

This complex kumiko work depicts a mountainous landscape, draped in mist. By applying the design to a folding screen (byōbu), the viewer can feel immersed within the surrounding landscape.

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神代栓

Jindai-sen

Lignitized Japanese castor aralia

杉

Sugi

Japanese cedar

神代朴　

Jindai-hō

Lignitized Japanese whitebark magnolia

桜

Sakura

Cherry

朴

Hō

Japanese whitebark magnolia

木曽桧

Kiso hinoki

Kiso hinoki cypress

貝塚伊吹の桧室　

Kaizuka ibuki no himuro

Chinese pyramid juniper

神代桂　

Jindai-katsura

Lignitized katsura (Cercidiphyllum japonicum)

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神代桂

Jindai-katsura

Lignitized katsura (Cercidiphyllum japonicum)

香椿　

Chanchin

Chinese cedar

漆

Urushi

Japanese sumac