Toyama Mokuzogan is a woodworking technique that originated in Toyama City, in which natural woods of differing colors and grain are cut out with a scroll saw and inlaid to create pictures and patterns on a single panel. It is said to have begun in 1907 (Meiji 40), when Nakashima Mokudo, a native of Toyama, apprenticed himself to Shirakawa Senseki, a wood-inlay craftsman in Odawara, Kanagawa Prefecture, learned modern inlay techniques using a scroll-saw machine, and brought them back to Toyama. Nakashima Mokudo was designated a Toyama Prefecture Intangible Cultural Property in 1964 (Showa 39) and established a distinctive style rooted in the local character of Toyama. Its defining feature, unlike yosegi-zaiku, which assembles simple shapes such as triangles and squares, is that pieces are cut with a scroll saw to precisely follow a design drawn on a base panel, then inlaid with matching pieces of patterned wood, allowing the craft to express pictorial designs. In addition to traditional products such as framed panels and tables, new types of products, including tea utensils and lighting, have also been developed in recent years. The efforts of its successors have been recognized, and it was designated a Toyama Prefecture Traditional Craft in 2013 (Heisei 25).
Origin
In 1907 (Meiji 40), Nakashima Mokudo, a native of Toyama, apprenticed himself to Shirakawa Senseki, a wood-inlay craftsman in Odawara, Kanagawa Prefecture, and learned modern wood-inlay techniques using a scroll-saw machine. Bringing these techniques back to his hometown of Toyama and spreading them there is said to be the beginning of Toyama Mokuzogan.
History
Nakashima Mokudo was designated a Toyama Prefecture Intangible Cultural Property in 1964 (Showa 39) and established a distinctive style rooted in the climate and traditions of Toyama. His successors have continued production and promotion, and the craft was designated a Toyama Prefecture Traditional Craft in 2013 (Heisei 25). The techniques continue to be introduced today through exhibitions such as the 'Toyama Mokuzogan Exhibition.'
Features
Following a design drawn on a base panel, natural woods of differing colors and grain are precisely cut out with a scroll saw, then inlaid with matching pieces of patterned wood to express pictures and patterns. Unlike yosegi-zaiku, which assembles pieces of simple shapes, its defining feature is the ability to express pictorial, finely detailed designs.
Materials Used
Production Process
- 1
Sketching and wood selection
A sketch of the intended design is drawn, and woods of differing colors and grain are chosen.
- 2
Cutting with a scroll saw
Following the pattern drawn on the base panel, the shape of the design is precisely cut out with a scroll saw.
- 3
Inlaying
Pieces of patterned wood cut to match the cut-out shapes are inlaid one by one.
- 4
Finishing
The surface is polished and finished into a product such as a framed panel or table.
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Artisans & Workshops
とやまの木せいひん研究会
A study group whose members make wood products using Toyama Prefecture-grown timber, including Toyama Mokuzogan. It works to spread the craft's techniques through exhibitions and product development.
Official site →How to Buy
- 永森家具
- A furniture store in Imizu City, Toyama Prefecture, that carries Toyama Mokuzogan products.
FAQ
Q. How does wood inlay (mokuzogan) differ from yosegi-zaiku (wood mosaic marquetry)?
A. Yosegi-zaiku assembles pieces of simple shapes, such as triangles and squares, into geometric patterns, whereas mokuzogan is a technique in which pieces of wood cut with a scroll saw into the shape of a design are inlaid to express pictorial patterns.