The Art Of Japanese Joinery

by Kiyosi Seike

This lively introduction to Japanese joinery not only delves lovingly into the unique history and development of Japanese carpentry, but also reveals many secrets of Japanese joinery. Presenting 48 joints, selected from among the several hundred known and used today, this visually exciting book will please anyone who has ever been moved by the sheer beauty of wood.

With the clear isometric projections complementing the 64 pages of stunning photographs, even the weekend carpenter can duplicate these bequests from the traditional Japanese carpenter, which can be applied to projects as large as the buildings for which most of them were originally devised or to projects as small as a sewing box.

Genres: Woodwork, Design, Japan, Nonfiction, Crafts, Art, Architecture

128 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1977

About the author

b Kyoto, 13 Dec 1918). Japanese architect. He studied at Tokyo University of Arts as well as Tokyo Institute of Technology (where he was also to teach from 1946). He began his career as both designer and academician in the early post-war years. He established his reputation as an architect with his superbly designed small private residences. In them he synthesized elements of modern design with those of traditional architecture although without falling into the trap of nostalgia. At the time when his designs first appeared there was much debate over the course of modern Japanese architecture and the role of traditional forms therein. Seike's success lay in his combination of both. The Mori House (1951) or his own Seike residence (1954) in Tokyo, for example, were built with reinforced concrete structures and provided Western-style comfort in a rational and functional way, yet made extensive use of tatami mats, shoji (translucent paper doors) and fusuma screens. In addition to his residential architecture, he designed a number of excellent public buildings such as the Ohara Ikebana School in Kobe (1962), Sea Paradise in Izu (1977) and the new Prince Hotel in Karuizawa (1982). Seike's private practice was in the Design System office in Tokyo. In 1981-2 he was President of the Architectural Institute of Japan.

Reviews

[J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Useful academic discussion of the influences and origins of the highly refined joinery practices of Japan. Strange mix of a book, though-- there is Dr. Seike's very comprehensive text on the one hand, but then maybe forty pages of lush monochrome closeup photos, on the other hand, of complex joinery examples in stark limbo settings.

For an impressionistic coffee-table book, the photos are too clearly technical, if luxurious. For a technical manual on joinery, way off the charts on the stark /arty photo side.

For the student of Japanese Carpentry, the thorough text is worth the price of entry. An early passage covers the critical fundamental of ma-- the space, the interval-- from which shape and tempo and flow eventually derive.

From there, we branch out to the science, methodology and philosophy of how to interconnect a collection of spaces, a structure. And right down into the detail of the lap-joint, the dovetail, and the many variations. Quite often in traditional Japanese buildings, the complexity of the structural build belies the zenlike simplicity of the resultant sense of place.

Don't get overly involved in the (rather abstract) photo content, there are other sources for more grounded, more integrated views ... but pick this up for the read.

[Cody Rioux · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really gorgeous photography of joints and clear categorization of joins into splicing and connecting joints. Good discussion of when and where each joint is used, advantages and disadvantages. The book does not dive into detail on how to actually produce the joints, you’ll need The Complete Japanese Joinery for that.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Exotic joinery mostly for Japanese houses. Still used today, see the Japanese remodeling show Before and After and skip thru to the framing bits. Doesn't show how cut them though. There's a brand new edition out with the same material.

[Kim Zinkowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I only had the skill to execute these intricate joints. There is something beyond simplicity in these joints that appeals to me.

[Jeff Ammons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clearly written book on Japanese joinery with great photos.

[Suzanne F. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is less of a how-to/where-to-use guide and more of a display of the fine craftsmanship that Japanese joinery enjoys. The photos are nothing short of spectacular and the history is fascinating! As I was looking for a book that was more of a how-to, however, it fell a little short of my expectations. Nevertheless, it's well worth the read! I wish I had taken the time to scan some of those images, they (and this book) are an excellent reference.

[Woody Debris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book makes right angles sexy. I can't wait to get my hands on some wood.

[Brad · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great overview of the amazing art of Japanese Joinery. This book shows how craftsmanship is honored and valued in Japanese Carpentry.