Materials: Hinoki (Japanese cypress)
Exhibition location: ESPACIO Nagoya Castle – Presidential Suite (11th floor)
Auspicious Sign - ZUICHO
A finely carved ranma transom depicting the Houoh and dragon alongside the auspicious motifs of pine, bamboo, and plum. More than 200 different chisels are used throughout the process, from the initial rough carving to the final finishing cuts. No sandpaper is used at any stage, allowing the subtle chisel marks to remain visible and giving the hinoki wood its distinctive natural luster.
Inami Woodcarving Cooperative
The Inami Woodcarving Cooperative is an association of master woodcarvers dedicated to preserving the tradition of Inami woodcarving, a craft handed down for centuries in the Inami district of Nanto, Toyama Prefecture. Until the end of the Edo period, its members primarily created architectural carvings for temples and shrines, later expanding their work to include decorative ranma transoms for traditional residences. In 2018, seven transom carvings were installed in the restored Honmaru Palace of Nagoya Castle. In the same year, Inami, renowned for its woodcarving tradition, was designated a Japan Heritage site.
