In Japan, the spirit of kigumi—the craft of jointing wood—is deeply ingrained everywhere. Endowed with bountiful forests, an intimate awareness of trees has existed since antiquity, and various items have been created by jointing wood. Everything from small vessels and furniture used in everyday life, to wood-framed dwellings, have all been made using kigumi. However, by merely looking at the surface appearance of the finished work, it is difficult to truly comprehend the craft and aesthetics of kigumi demonstrated by these exceptional artisans.
 In this exhibition, we have deconstructed all kinds of kigumi for this reason. Various wood joints are exhibited in their disassembled state—traditional wood joints, unusual joints, and joints which surprise you as their secrets are revealed. Western wood joints, as well as wood puzzles, are also featured within the exhibit. We hope to reveal the beauty of kigumi—the artisan’s aesthetics and careful attention which is particular to handcrafted carpentry, and the soft textures and subtleties distinct to natural wood—through this exhibition’s works.

Precautions for Visitors

Please book in advance
Online advanced booking is required for all visitors to enter the museum (Ueno district).
Please check below for more details.

Exhibition

Title Special Exhibition “KIGUMI：Revealing the Carpentry Behind the Wood Joint”
Period October 13, 2021 (Wed) - November 24 (Wed)
Venue National Museum of Nature and Science
Hours 9:00 – 17:00 (Last admission 16:30)
*Opening days, hours etc. are subject to alteration.
Please check the website before your visit.
Closed Monday
Admission General and university students 630yen
High-school students and younger Free
＊Admission to the permanent exhibitions is free to persons aged 65 or over.
Organizers National Museum of Nature and Science, Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum
Sponsor Takenaka Corporation

Access

National Museum of Nature and Science
Address 7-20 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
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Map of National Museum of Nature and Science, Tokyo.