The Craft of Carpentry: Drawing Life from Japan’s Forests

Step into the serene world of Japanese carpentry. This exhibition transports visitors from the living forests that sustain the craft to the celebrated structures it has produced.

For centuries, Japanese master carpenters have developed tools and techniques informed by the extraordinary qualities of wood. They create structures of beauty and complexity – from exquisite joinery to robust architecture that withstands wind, snow and earthquakes.

The Craft of Carpentry celebrates the tools and craftsmanship behind Japan’s temples and shrines. The centrepiece of the exhibition is a life-size reconstruction of the Sa-an teahouse in the temple Daitoku-ji in Kyoto, offering visitors a rare opportunity to experience the intimate elegance of teahouse architecture.

With hands-on opportunities to assemble ingenious wood joints yourself, to the evocative scents of Japan's native wood types, a visit to The Craft of Carpentry brings you up close to this important tradition and its sacred roots.

The Japan House London Craft of Carpentry exhibition is supported by Takenaka Europe GmbH, Epson UK Ltd and Yamaha Music Europe GmbH.