Japanese Woodwork (WEEK 3): Square Tray (Seirou torei)
Ended - Thursday 17 November 2022
Iwata Houraiya
Iwata Houraiya is an atelier
specialising in the great Japanese wood craft traditions of
cabinetmaking, lacquer, gilding and sculpting. Based in the historic
Japanese city of Kyoto, it was founded in 1924 and today is owned by the
third generation of the Houraiya family.
The atelier’s expert fine
woodwork artisans are the guardians of heritage and tradition. Having
handcrafted and restored many of Japan’s sacred Buddhist altars, in
recent years they have started to form collaborations internationally to
share their knowledge and skills with others.
Satoshi Ichihara
Master craftsman Satoshi
Ichihara is the guardian of traditional woodworking techniques
cultivated over 1,400 years. He practices under Iwata Houraiya, a
company that produces and restores Buddhist altars, altar accessories
and statues in addition to designing interior spaces for temples. Iwata
Houraiya’s works are made to last for centuries, reflecting the skills
of their artisans and recognizing the unique properties of each piece of
wood used. Their activities also extend to the restoration and
preservation of historical wooden pieces, ensuring that they will last
for many more centuries to come.
Satoshi Ichihara became an apprentice
to his father, a woodworker, at the age of 23. After committing to the
quest of achieving true Japanese beauty through the medium of wood, he
embarked on studies in Japanese culture and folklore, two important
aspects to his practice,
At Iwata Houraiya studio, Satoshi Ichihara
continues his journey of creating pieces with his own hands while
incorporating a love for philosophy and science. He looks forward to
seeing how his industry will embrace technology as it continues to
evolve.
Schedule:
Date: 13, 14, 15, 16 November
Time: 9 am – 1 pm
Location:
Tashkeel Nad Al Sheba
Please note that fees are non-refundable.
Registration Deadline:
31 October 2022
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For the first time in the UAE, explore ancient Japanese woodwork joinery with master craftsman Satoshi Ichihara of Iwata Houraiya Studio, Japan. Understand how to make intricate joints with precision and skill by creating a ‘seirou torei’ tray without the need for screws, nails or glues.
During the 4-day morning course, Satoshi Ichihara will train participants in basic ‘hozo-gumi’ (tenon joint) and ‘sen’ (plug) techniques. Over a total of 16 hours, he will demonstrate how ‘hozo-gumi’ will increase the strength and durability of each joint. Participants will see how the by applying this technique to ever complex shapes, the joints increase the strength of the overall piece. He will also demonstrate the ‘sen’ plug, known as a joinery technique that maintains the strength of the piece. Participants will adeptly be able to experience the strength of wood and wood joints by working with their hands.
Join Iwata Houraiya woodwork master Satoshi Ichihara at Tashkeel to explore traditional joinery techniques that can be applied in myriad ways within contemporary visual art and design practices.
This course is suitable for woodwork beginner level. Participants should have some experience of operating machinery such as saws and sanders.
All materials included. Participants are required to wear appropriate clothing; no jewellery, open shoes or baggy clothes may be worn when working with power tools and long hair must be tied back.
In registering for this workshop, each participant agrees to follow all precautionary measures to ensure their own safety throughout. Participants must be aware of general safety rules and issues associated with each piece of equipment that they may operate.
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Gallery, Unit 26, FN Designs, Alserkal Avenue
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(closed Saturdays & public holidays).
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Nad Al Sheba 1
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