CRAFTSMANSHIP OF ZOUGAN

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Introduction to Hakone Inlaid Woodwork

inlay

The inlaid woodwork of Hakone and Odawara is a type of mosaic, but made from natural wood of various colours, however some products have parts which cannot be depicted just by natural wood, so the timber must be dyed. The skill to enable the dye to soak completely into the interior of the wood is something which has to be passed on down through generations, and in current times only Sadaji Uchida has been fully competent in this technique. The white parts of the wood can look as if there might be a stain, but please understand that this is a natural characteristic of the wood.
Moreover, the white colour of the wood is the result of bleaching by the wind and the rain which allows the colour to emerge. Clouds and running water contribute and this expression of colour is unconnected with any contamination.
We have been privileged to have had this valuable technique made available, so that our craftsmen through their skilful labour and much time can give enjoyment to everyone in the form of our inlaid woodwork masterpieces.
We shall do our best to continue to bring to you this wonderful marriage of nature and technique.
It is our fervent hope that you too will come to love this traditional art of Hakone and Odawara as much as we ourselves do.

Zougan Art products – Available Now!

Zougan Technique & the History in Japan

  • Zougan
  • Zougan
  • Zougan

Craftsman

Mr. Yoshihiro Ishikawa
Yoshihiro Ishikawa
Born in 1958, Mr.Ishikawa grew up in the Hakone area of Japan with a growing interest in Zougan-Zaiku artistry. With more than 20years of mastering the Zougan-Zaiku technique, he has achieved a skill and inborn talent that has been honored by regional art exhibitions time and time again. Using only a sawing machine to cut the various woods used for his intricately woven masterpieces, Mr.Ishikawa has preserved an artform unrivaled throughout the world.

Mr.Yoshihiro Ishikawa products – Available Now!

  • Aka Fuji
    Aka Fuji
  • Ashinoko(L)
    Ashinoko (L)
  • Daikokuten
    Daikokuten
Mr. Haruo Uchiyama
Haruo Uchiyama
Born in 1950 in Gifu city, Gifu Prefecture. Graduated from High school, started learning wood inlay from my father in 1970. Started learning wood inlay technique in Toyama prefecture in 1975.
1978
Certified as an official “Hakone Wood Inlay Craftsman”
1979
Won the prize by the governor of Kanagawa prefecture, at Hakone Craftsman contest Started teaching bird carving in Tokyo
1981
Made 15 bird carvings for the museum in Hiratsuka city; since, has continued making ornithological carvings for museums throughout Japan 1985 Studied bird carving at the Ward Foundation for three weeks in Maryland, USA
1986
Received a letter of appreciation from Japanese Society for Preservation of Birds
1987
Won honorable mention at the World Championship Competition by the Ward Foundation
1990
Displayed the carvings at the Rockefeller Ukiyo-e Collection Exhibition by the Mainichi Newspaper
1991
Moved to Pennsylvania, U.S.A. & won many ribbons and honors at various competitions in the US
Won the Best of Show and 1st place in California Open Contest
Won the “Third in World” at the competition presented by the Ward Foundation
1992
Move back to Japan
Displayed the carvings at the “Miller’s Collection” exhibition by TBS
Won the second and third place in the World Competition by the Ward Foundation
1995
Served as a judge (the first Japanese judge) at the World Competition
Won first and second place in the contest
1998
Held the first bird carving contest in Abiko, Chiba; which was the start of the Japan Bird Festival.
Won first place at the World Competition by the Ward Foundation
1999
Served as a judge at the World Competition
2001
Started teaching carving the Little Tern at a junior high school in Abiko, Chiba
2002
Served as a judge at the World Competition
Received a letter of appreciation from the Yamashina Institute for Ornithology
2006
Received a letter of appreciation from the Prince Akishinonomiya, the honorary president of the Yamashina Institute for Ornithology
“Molecular Biology” awarded to a group including Dr. Hasegawa and myself, by the Toho University
Authorized as the Modern Master Craftsman by the Japanese Government
Received a letter of appreciation from the mayor of Abiko city
2007
Given the Abiko Culture and Sports Award of Honor by the mayor
“Rakudo Wood Inlay” was authorized as the traditional craft by the governor of Chiba prefecture
Received the commendation for the wildlife preservation from the Minister of Environment
2010
Held “Japan-Taiwan Friendship Carving Exhibition” in Taipei, Taiwan
2011
Received a letter of appreciation from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for work with the endangered Short-tailed Albatross
2014
Displayed the Finches’ carvings at the National Museum of Science
Displayed Albatross decoy, hand puppets for hand raising chicks and more at the International Ornithological Congress in Tokyo

Other than these accolades, I have been working as a volunteer, making contributions to the community such as “Touch Carvings” for the blind, preservation activities by making decoys of Short-tailed Albatross and other species, designing hand puppets for hand-raising chicks, conducting wood carving classes for children, and more. My main work is as a wood inlay artist, however my passion is to help people connect with wild birds through wood carvings and taking action to save their habitat.

Mr.Haruo Uchiyama products – Available Now!

  • Uchiyama lineup
  • Uchiyama Lineup
  • Uchiyama Lineup

Haruo Uchiyama’s Official Site  

Mr. Sadaji Uchida
Sadaji Uchida
Born in 1921 in Odawara in Kanagawa Prefecture. At the age of 13 he started to study under Haruo Yuda, who was recognised as a Kanagawa Prefecture Living Cultural Heritage. At the age of 26 he was ready to become an independent craftsman.
1972
Odawara Rotary Club commendation (Traditional craftsman)
1977
Awarded a prize commendation by the Odawara city mayor
(Contributor to enrichment of traditional craft)
1984
Kanagawa Prefecture Hakone Craft Skilled Technique Commendation. In the same year awarded recognition as an excellent craftsman by the Governor of Kanagawa Prefecture.
1988
Recognised by Kanagawa Prefecture as a meritous craftsman
1988
Received award from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (Traditional Craft Industry Award)
1991
Work exhibited in London by the Japanese Tourism Board
1992
Ministry of Labour award
(Excellent craftsman, popularly known as a modern master)
1992 to 1995
Working as a teacher in the traditional craft industry in Odawara, he instructed four young men in the traditional skills and nurtured them
as his successors.
1995
Awarded the Sixth Order of the Sacred Treasure July 17, 2010 Passed away

Mr.Sadaji Uchida products – Available Now!

Sadaji Uchida