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The Genius of Japanese Carpentry: Secrets of an Ancient Woodworking Craft

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Description

The Genius of Japanese Carpentry tells the story of the 1200-year-old Yakushiji monastery in Nara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the dedicated modern-day craftsmen who are working to restore what has been lost to the depredations of time, fire and warfare. Although the monastery's reconstruction will not be fully completed until 2030, one of the primary temples—the Picture Hall—has been wholly restored employing the same materials, tools and techniques originally used in its creation over a millennium ago. Featuring intricate, puzzle-like joinery and the integration of timber pieces to orient them in the same direction as when it was a growing tree, this book skillfully documents the stunning craftsmanship of the ancient Japanese, which is still alive today. First published more than thirty years ago, this book has become a classic. Author Azby Brown, one of the world's leading experts on Japanese architecture, chronicles the painstaking restoration of the Yakushiji monastery through: Extensive interviews with carpenters and woodworkersOriginal drawings based on the plans of master carpenter Tsunekazu NishiokaDetailed photographs and diagrams showing the woodworking techniques, tools and materials used This revised edition of the book contains a new foreword by Mira Locher, one of the world's leading experts on vernacular and modern Japanese architecture. An inspiring testament to the dedication of these craftsmen and their philosophy of carpentry work as a form of personal fulfillment, The Genius of Japanese Carpentry offers detailed documentation of the restoration of this historic building and a moving reminder of the unique cultural continuity found in Japan. Read more

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Tuttle Publishing


Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 9, 2021


Edition ‏ : ‎ Revised


Language ‏ : ‎ English


Print length ‏ : ‎ 160 pages


ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 4805316683


ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 89


Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.8 pounds


Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.5 x 0.5 x 11 inches


Best Sellers Rank: #127,685 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #72 in Calligraphy Guides #87 in Residential Architecture #170 in Woodworking Projects (Books)


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Top Amazon Reviews

    • An excellent overview for the layperson.
Format: Kindle
I am not a carpenter by trade, though I have worked in construction. My father, however, was a carpenter. I always found the concepts and rules of constructing buildings to be fascinating. A hardly, practical application of the physical sciences is necessary for the creation of buildings that stand the test of time. From that perspective, I have found traditional Japanese carpentry to straddle the line between science and art. The intricacies of their woodworking techniques are not well understood in the west. This book was a pleasant glance into the practice of dedicated tradesmen from another land. I got to see some examples of joinery, and also the training and attitudes of the craftsmen. This was well worth the read and the asking price. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2015 by Harlan Kanoa Sheppard
    • Insightful journey into the world of Japanese carpentry
Format: Hardcover
Right from the first page the reader is transported into the life of the master builder. A clear departure from Western architecture, where design is the inspiration of an individual, Japanese tradition follows rules created by the forest; the way trees grow their strengths and the specific use for each material. Azby's personal journey through the difficult and demanding world of the apprentice woodworker allows the reader a unique view of the culture of wood going back to ancient times. Well worth keeping and sharing. Karl Bareis - custom builder ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2014 by Karl Bareis
    • Four Stars
Format: Hardcover
great pictures, good information.
Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2018 by nordicwoodcraft
    • Great book on making a shinto temple, but not so much as a step by step for carpentry.
Format: Hardcover
Great book on the building philosophy, selection of materials and historical notes of building a traditional shinto temple. Not really an instruction manual on how carpentry. I was looking for a book to show me the in's and out's of wood working, but this is not really that book. It does go into detail on how to select the wood and why. It also has super great pictures on the actual temple itself. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on July 21, 2017 by JVSGUSCASD
    • A rare look at temple restoration work
Format: Hardcover
Not a 'how to' book at all. Ordinary carpenters may be mystified by it. Excellent at conveying the spirit and sophistication of the high level temple woodworkers of Japan. Well worth the time to both read and contemplate the history and tradition that inform and support the elegance of traditional building arts in Japan written by a long-term resident (Japan) American architect. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on August 2, 2016 by PVreader
    • WARNING: don't purchase for kindle.
Format: Kindle
I'm sure this is a great book. I was excited to read it. Just after purchasing, I fired up my kindle and realized it's not formatted for kindle at all. It's a pdf scan, virtually unreadable on a kindle PaperWhite. Whoever publishes this, please take the proper time and attention this book deserves, and format it correctly. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on December 16, 2023 by Brian Graham
    • Just like you
Format: Hardcover
Review Image by Walter Liedke Walter Liedke
An excellent book. The author is able to capture the spirit of Japanese carpentry. I to was able to apprentice under a daiku. A bit on usual I admit but probably the best teacher I ever had
Reviewed in the United States on November 26, 2015 by Walter Liedke Walter Liedke
    • Fascinating insight
Format: Hardcover
Gives a fascinating insight into the traditions and skills of japanese carpenters involved in the repair and maintenance of temples in Japan using traditional joinery.
Reviewed in the United States on August 7, 2014 by Wayne Creaser

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