This official catalogue was published by Japan’s renowned Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum to commemorate its 30th anniversary exhibition tour. It focuses on the exceptional craftsmanship and spirit of master carpenters from China, Korea, and Japan, offering a cross-cultural perspective on the shared beauty and heritage of traditional wooden architecture in East Asia.
Featuring master builders behind some of the region’s most iconic structures—such as the Forbidden City in China, Gyeongbokgung Palace in Korea, and Yakushiji Temple in Japan—the exhibition highlights the transmission of both skill (“waza”) and spirit (“kokoro”) across generations. The richly illustrated catalogue presents vivid, high-quality photographs and detailed commentary on the craftsmen’s tools, works, and creative processes—from the precise joinery of Chinese imperial architecture, to the ornate carvings of Korean palaces, and the humble Zen aesthetics of Japanese temples.
Accompanied by scholarly essays, this publication offers not only a visual feast but also a profound exploration of the historical lineage and contemporary relevance of East Asian woodworking culture.
