In São Paulo, exhibition expands ancient Japanese carpentry techniques

The exhibition "Imbued with Forest Forces - KIGUMI: Revealing the Carpentry behind the Wooden Joint" is on display at Japan House, in São Paulo, which presents and expands to the public knowledge about the Japanese kigumi technique, which consists of carving and fitting wooden pieces, joining them in a way that does not require the use of nails, screws or hardware.

Curated by Marcelo Nishiyama, associate director of the Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum, the exhibition brings together more than 50 sophisticated wooden fittings (tsugite-shikuchi), the result of centuries of technical improvement transmitted between generations of artisans.

Throughout the exhibition, the public can contemplate the evolution of techniques through three main aspects:

- Kumiko: A refined lattice technique that emerged in the 12th century;
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Sashimono: A delicate fitting method perfected in the Edo period;
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Kumimono: A complex roof-supporting structure, represented in the exhibition by a reconstruction based on the Engaku-ji temple (13th century).

After visiting the Japan House headquarters in Los Angeles and London, the tour in São Paulo gains an exclusive attraction: an unprecedented reproduction of part of the emblematic Kintaikyō Bridge (1673), famous for its arch system that spans a 36-meter span without supporting pillars.

The experience is enriched by interactive features, including digital screens to virtually disassemble the bridge structure and tables where visitors can manipulate the wooden fittings.

SERVICE
"Imbued with the Forces of the Forests"

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Location: Japan House - Avenida Paulista, 52

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Hours: Tuesday to Friday, from 10am to 6pm. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, from 10am to 7pm.

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Admission: Free

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Period: Until August 2nd

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Source: CNN