Inami Woodcarving — A 250-Year Living Tradition, with Master Nambu Hakuun III

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 extraordinary depth, precision, and spiritual artistry, this 250-year tradition has endured despite the pressures of rapid modernization. Today, Inami’s artisans apply their mastery, shaped through a rigorous five-year live-in apprenticeship,to classical temple work as well as traditional and contemporary commissions.

This program begins at 3:00 PM with a screening of the 60-minute documentary Voices in the Grain: Inami Woodcarving, produced by Poiesis in collaboration with the craftsmen community in Toyama. The film offers a rare and intimate portrait of the carvers, their history, and the lived philosophy behind the craft.

Following the screening, Master Carver Nambu Hakuun III, one of Inami’s foremost artisans, will introduce the history of the craft and the lineage of his own workshop, highlighting major works he has created across Japan. He will then guide the audience through each stage of the carving process, from sketching on washi paper to rough carving and detailed finishing, and present his newly created work, Bridge Between Japan and the U.S., which intertwines Japanese and American motifs as a gesture of cultural connection.

The demonstration portion will be interactive, offering attendees the rare opportunity to try carving by hand under the master’s guidance and to handle carving tools used in the craft.

The event concludes with an open Q&A, inviting participants to engage directly with the artist and reflect on the future of this living tradition.