Shoji and Kumiko Design

With its history of nearly a thousand years, shoji - translucent paper-backed sliding doors and screens - are an inherent part of Japanese tradition and culture. But their beauty and charm can equally be adapted to rooms in a Western home. In this book, Des King examines basic shoji making and design. He gives comprehensive background information about shoji and how they have evolved, and detailed step-by-step instructions, supported by many diagrams and photographs, on how to make three shoji with progressively more complex kumiko arrangements, and variations on structure and joinery. Kumiko patterns enhance the uniqueness and charm of shoji, and Des King introduces three different kinds of patterns, and provides detailed instructions on how to make each kind, including dimensional diagrams of jigs that will improve work efficiency. He also dispels many of the myths about the Japanese hand-plane - the kanna - with an extensive description of how to set up, use and maintain this exceptional tool, including problems that can arise and how to avoid them. Through his highly structured and traditional approach in Book 1, Des King lays solid foundations from which any woodworker can confidently look toward tackling much more complex kumiko patterns and arrangements that can enhance the flair and individuality of shoji in any setting.

With its history of nearly a thousand years, shoji - translucent paper-backed sliding doors and screens - are an inherent part of Japanese tradition and culture. But their beauty and charm can equally be adapted to rooms in a Western home. In this book, Des King examines basic shoji making and design. He gives comprehensive background information about shoji and how they have evolved, and detailed step-by-step instructions, supported by many diagrams and photographs, on how to make three shoji with progressively more complex kumiko arrangements, and variations on structure and joinery. Kumiko patterns enhance the uniqueness and charm of shoji, and Des King introduces three different kinds of patterns, and provides detailed instructions on how to make each kind, including dimensional diagrams of jigs that will improve work efficiency. He also dispels many of the myths about the Japanese hand-plane - the kanna - with an extensive description of how to set up, use and maintain this exceptional tool, including problems that can arise and how to avoid them. Through his highly structured and traditional approach in Book 1, Des King lays solid foundations from which any woodworker can confidently look toward tackling much more complex kumiko patterns and arrangements that can enhance the flair and individuality of shoji in any setting.

In Shoji and Kumiko Design Book 2 Beyond the Basics, Des King continues on from where he finished with Book 1 The Basics, and takes instruction in shoji patterns and kumiko art to the next level. Book 2 explores much more complex kumiko arrangements with two stunning shoji projects, and an extensive array of beautiful and intricate kumiko patterns, ranging from relatively simple, to highly advanced. He provides detailed instructions with more than 500 photographs and diagrams on how to make more than forty kumiko patterns in the square, diamond and hexagonal layout using tools found in any Western workshop, and simple shop-made jigs. No specialized tools are required for the patterns covered in Book 2. The kinds of patterns in this book will turn a simple attractive shoji into a an exquisite and eye-catching work of art that will add great flair and style to your home.

In Shoji and Kumiko Design Book 2 Beyond the Basics, Des King continues on from where he finished with Book 1 The Basics, and takes instruction in shoji patterns and kumiko art to the next level. Book 2 explores much more complex kumiko arrangements with two stunning shoji projects, and an extensive array of beautiful and intricate kumiko patterns, ranging from relatively simple, to highly advanced. He provides detailed instructions with more than 500 photographs and diagrams on how to make more than forty kumiko patterns in the square, diamond and hexagonal layout using tools found in any Western workshop, and simple shop-made jigs. No specialized tools are required for the patterns covered in Book 2. The kinds of patterns in this book will turn a simple attractive shoji into a an exquisite and eye-catching work of art that will add great flair and style to your home.