Kumiko Foundation Course

 

Learn the traditional art of Japanese Kumiko in depth.

Kumiko is a delicate woodwork technique developed in the Asuka Era (600-700AD) in Japan. Kumiko are repeat patterns put together with such high precision that they do not require any nails to secure individual wood pieces together. 

In this course, you will learn about setting up, sharpening Japanese hand tools and the skills needed to cut Kumiko the traditional way by hand. You will acquire these skills through the making of an Andon Lamp (traditional Japanese lamp) with Kumiko panels.

Is this course for me?

This is a beginner course designed for students interested specifically in Kumiko crafting. There are no prerequisite skills or knowledge required.   

If you are looking for a more generalised course in Japanese woodworking, our Shokunin Beginner Course will be perfect for you.

If you are interested in going broad and then specific, we would recommend complementing this course with our Shokunin Beginner Course. The courses can be attended in any order of sequence. 

What you will learn:

  • How to set up a Japanese Chisel (nomi) for use

  • Acquire essential competencies of sharpening tools. This will give you the ability to make precisely fitted joints that the Japanese are known for. You will receive a Japanese sharpening stone and learn how to use it. 

  • Layout and marking skills that lay the foundation for precise joinery

  • Sawing and chiselling skills necessary to cut tight-fitting half-lap joints

  • How to make the Asanoha (Hemp Leaf) Kumiko pattern

  • By the end of the course, you would have handcrafted a beautiful Andon Lamp with Kumiko panels to take home

Course Details

Course Dates:

15th - 20th July 2024


Course duration : 6 Days, Monday through Saturday from 9 am - 4 pm daily

Suitable for: Age 18 and above

Number of participants: Maximum class size of 4

Course Fees : $1980 per participant. Course fees are non-refundable. This course is not Skillsfuture enabled.

Registration Fee: One-time Mokko Wood Studio registration fee $50. Registration fees are waived for participants who have taken prior courses at Mokko Wood Studio.

Please feel free to bring along your personal tools for the workshop, free storage is available for the duration of the workshop.

What you will be doing for the 6 days.

In this course, you will begin with the basics of sharpening and tool preparation. With a sharp tool ready for use, you will then learn how to cut precise half-lap joinery by hand through constructing an Andon Lamp. Next, you will learn to craft the Kumiko panels for the four sides of the lamp, followed by the different components of the Asanoha pattern.

Day 1

  • Introduction to Japanese Chisels (nomi)

  • How to prepare and tune the nomi for use

  • Principles of sharpening

Day 2

  • Introduction to Kumiko and joinery

  • Andon Lamp Project: Layout and marking

  • Sawing technique

  • Chiselling technique

  • Andon Lamp Project: cutting half-lap joinery

Day 3

  • Andon Lamp Project: cutting half-lap joinery

  • Andon Lamp Project: Assembly

Day 4

  • Kumiko Project: Layout

  • Kumiko Project: Cutting half-lap joinery

Day 5

  • Kumiko Project: Infills (Asanoha pattern)

  • Kumiko Project: Completing the panels

  • Andon Lamp: install light fittings

Day 6

  • Assembly of Andon Lamp and Kumiko panels

How is this course different from the Kumiko Coaster and Keepsake Box Course? 

Both the Kumiko Coaster and Keepsake Box Course are short experiential courses.

In the Coaster Course, students only focus on one part of the Kumiko-making process - learning to cut infills. The tools used and Kumiko frames are prepared beforehand.

In the Keepsake Box Course, in addition to the above, students learn about the construction of a basic mitered box.

In this intensive course, you will dive much deeper to learn about the intricacies of the Kumiko-making process from start to end and acquire the fundamental skills needed to bring a project to fruition.

Registration

You will be directed to a registration page to fill in some basic details. We will then be contacting you with payment instructions within 3 days of receiving your registration. Your registration is only confirmed with payment. Accepted forms of payment are bank transfer, PayNow, Paylah!, and PayPal.

Questions?

Please contact us for any queries.

If you’re travelling from abroad, you may find our Support for International Students page helpful with your planning.