Originating in Toyama Prefecture, Inami woodcarving (井波彫刻) developed in the Edo period during the restoration of the local Zuisen-ji Temple and flourished alongside temple carpentry and the tradition of ranma (transom) carving. Distinguished by its extraordinary depth and precision, this tradition has endured despite the pervasive effects of global modernization. Today, Inami’s artisans apply their skills, honed through a rigorous five-year apprenticeship system, to classical temple work and traditional and contemporary commissions.

During this program, Nambu Hakuun will share insights into the history of the craft and his own workshop’s legacy, as well as highlight major works he has created throughout Japan. He will then guide the audience through each stage of the carving process, from sketching on washi paper to rough and fine carving. In addition, he will present and discuss his newly created woodcarving “Bridge Between Japan and the U.S.”, a work that intertwines Japanese and American motifs as a gesture of cultural exchange. The event will conclude with an interactive Q&A, allowing participants to engage directly with the artist and gain deeper insight into this living craft tradition.

The event will close with an open Q&A, inviting attendees to engage directly with the artist and reflect on the continuing vitality of this living tradition.

Gallery

About the Presenters

Nambu Hakuun

Inami Woodcarver

Nambu Hakuun is a third-generation master woodcarver from Inami, Toyama Prefecture. Trained under his father through a traditional apprenticeship, he has spent decades preserving and advancing the techniques of this historic craft. His works can be found at major cultural sites across Japan, including Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa. Beyond his practice, he is dedicated to training apprentices and fostering cultural exchange, sharing Inami’s carving tradition with audiences in Japan and abroad.

Poeisis

Event Organizer

Founded at Princeton University, Poiesis is an organization dedicated to preserving and revitalizing traditional handcrafted decorative arts from around the world. Poiesis’ current work centers on Inami woodcarving. By partnering directly with the Inami Woodcarving Cooperative, Poiesis brings this endangered decorative art to global audiences through documentation, exhibitions, academic collaborations, live demonstrations, and woodcarving commissions. These initiatives aim to create sustainable economic pathways for master craftsmen, enabling them to support apprentices and ensure the continuity of the craft for future generations.