About this book:

Discover the quiet mastery that has shaped Japan’s temples, tea houses, and furniture for centuries—now revealed in *The Forgotten Art of Traditional Japanese Woodworking*. This book unlocks the centuries‑old secrets of hand‑tool craftsmanship, from the razor‑sharp precision of kanna planes and nokogiri saws to the soulful discipline of sharpening that transforms steel into an extension of the maker’s will. Every technique is presented with clear, step‑by‑step guidance, so you can experience the same reverence for wood that guided master carpenters of the Edo period.

Dive into the philosophy behind each joint—lap, dovetail, mortise‑and‑tenon, and their elegant variations—and learn how grain direction, natural movement, and traditional measuring create works that are both structurally flawless and aesthetically serene. With chapters on shop layout, toolmaking, traditional finishes, and repair, you’ll gain a holistic understanding of the craft that goes far beyond mere instruction, connecting you to the Zen‑inspired harmony between maker, material, and nature.

Bring theory to life through three iconic projects: build a shoji screen that filters light with grace, craft your own kanna plane to feel the blade’s true potential, and assemble a tea ceremony table that embodies simplicity and strength. Whether you’re a seasoned woodworker seeking new horizons, a beginner eager to learn a profound discipline, or simply an admirer of timeless beauty, this book invites you to pick up a chisel, feel the grain, and join a legacy of quiet excellence that endures for generations.