Inspiration - Japanese Joints

This week I have been mostly looking at………

THE ART OF JAPANESE JOINTS

For centuries before the invention of screws and fasteners, Japanese craftsmen used complex, interlocking joints to connect pieces of wood. I know it might be a little more time consuming but I have started using Japanese joints to construct my furniture recently. Using less hardware has to be a good thing.

Inspiration - Shō Sugi Ban / Yakisugi

This week I have been mostly looking at ……….

The technique of Sho Sugi Ban

Yakisugi (焼杉) is a traditional Japanese method of wood preservation. Yaki means to heat with fire, and sugi is cypress. It is also referred to in the West as Shō Sugi Ban (焼杉板).

The process involves charring the wood, cooling it, cleaning it and finishing with a natural oil.

By slightly charring the surface of the wood the wood becomes water-proof through the carbonisation and is therefore more durable. Traditionally used for exteriors because of it’s durability the technique is now also being used by architects and designers for interior finishes.

I have already tried it out and can’t wait to suggest using the technique to a future client.