Inami Woodcarving Master Nambu Hakuun III Demonstrates a 250-Year Tradition in Manhattan
RESOBOX had the honor of hosting a live demonstration of Inami woodcarving — the celebrated 250-year-old tradition from Toyama Prefecture — at our Manhattan space, as part of a U.S. touring exhibition organized with Poiesis, a cultural heritage platform founded at Princeton University.
From Documentary to Live Carving
The event opened with a screening of "Voices in the Grain," a documentary exploring the philosophy of Inami's artisans. Then came the demonstration: third-generation master carver Nambu Hakuun III brought wood to life with a single chisel, and the whole room held its breath.
A Bridge Between Japan and the U.S.
The highlight was his new work, "Bridge Between Japan and the U.S.," in which traditional Japanese motifs and American landscapes are carved into a single panel. The depth and precision of the carving captivated the New York audience.
Thank you, Hakuun-san, for an unforgettable evening where a living tradition resonated with the present.
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