Kyo-Kumiko

A centuries-old tradition, ever evolving.

Kumiko is a traditional Japanese woodworking art that creates intricate patterns by fitting together small pieces of wood, much like a puzzle or mosaic.

This craft has been practiced for over 1,300 years. One of the oldest examples can be found at Hōryū-ji Temple, one of the world's oldest wooden buildings, built during Japan's Asuka period. By the Muromachi and Edo periods, Kumiko had become a common feature in temples and traditional architecture. It decorated sliding doors, decorative panels, and other parts of buildings. As the craft grew, skilled woodworkers created many new patterns, each showcasing their creativity and precision.

For centuries, Kumiko was made only as flat panels. The artisans at Murayama Mokko took this traditional craft in a new direction by creating curved Kumiko, something that had never been done before. Using their patented technique, they can create round and cylindrical designs.

Every piece is made from hinoki, a Japanese cypress grown in Kyoto Prefecture. Hinoki is prized for its warm color, beautiful grain, and fresh, calming scent. In a wooden lampshade, the Kumiko pattern softly filters the light, filling a room with gentle shadows and a warm, peaceful glow.