WHAT? The Craft of Carpentry - Drawing Life from Japan’s Forests 

WHERE? Japan House London, 101-111 Kensington High Street, London W8 5SA

WHEN? Now until 6th July.  Free to visit 

WHY GO? To feel more ZEN. This is the ultimate ‘green’ experience, where the serene world of Japanese carpentry rooted in respect for nature and trees is explored within an exhibition that celebrates craftsmanship.

Linking spirituality to nature, Japanese carpentry is like origami in wood and has become an art form in itself reflected through their ancient shrines, temples and tea houses.

Not only are the structures beautiful, they are sturdy and have withstood wind, snow and earthquakes, all documented in this fascinating exhibition that will appeal to lovers of crafts and history.  

Forests cover two-thirds of the Japanese archipelago and important conservation work is being carried out to protect the cultural heritage of woodworking for future generations.  Centre stage is a reconstruction of the San-an teahouse originally constructed in Kyoto’s Zen temple Daitoku-ji Kyoto and considered an ‘Important Cultural Property of Japan’ for its delicate fine craftsmanship.  It affords a Zen moment to reflect on how exquisite wood can feel and smell. 

Enthusiasts can try their hand at joinery with interactive opportunities to assemble wooden structures using the techniques employed by ancient craftsmen.

A display of some 80 carpenter’s tools, beautiful objects in their own right, help appreciate how skilled the artisans were and are, even today.

IN THE KNOW Want to hang onto that Zen moment?  The Japan House shop is full of wooden crafts, from simple Bento boxes to intricate carved coasters and tea trays along with authentic traditional Japanese crafts like  Edo-Kiriko glassware and Bizen poetry. 

This is your first stop for everything Japanese in London.