somakosha

Shuri Castle (Through the Fire)

Shuri Castle (Through the Fire)
Shuri Castle, Okinawa, burned down in 2019 in an unexplained electrical fire. Soon, it will be rebuilt, by many craftspeople (including some from Somakosha.) Continue reading →
Brian Lam

A publication about Japanese Carpentry / East Asian woodcraft culture and techniques. By a journalist and carpentry apprentice, Brian Lam. (And friends)

Shuri Castle (Through the Fire)
somakosha

Shuri Castle (Through the Fire)

Shuri Castle, Okinawa, burned down in 2019 in an unexplained electrical fire. Soon, it will be rebuilt, by many craftspeople (including some from Somakosha.)
Brian Lam
The Groover: An Introduction to the Mizokiri
The Line

The Groover: An Introduction to the Mizokiri

In 1958, carpenters reportedly would "weep with joy" when they got to use one for the first time.
Spencer Nelson
Dale Brotherton of the Takumi Company
takumi company

Dale Brotherton of the Takumi Company

I made my way to Seattle to visit Dale Brotherton, to say hello, and study his working style.
Brian Lam
Tools: Kiyohisa Kamon Shinogi Usunomi Paring Chisel Set
not a tool store

Tools: Kiyohisa Kamon Shinogi Usunomi Paring Chisel Set

I have to be honest, I'm not sure I can stomach selling this set.
Brian Lam
A Ming Furniture Maker (By Accident)
chinese furniture

A Ming Furniture Maker (By Accident)

I got into woodworking almost by accident. From day one, I loved designing around wood.
Hugo Nakashima-Brown
A Talk at the Port Townsend Japanese Woodworking Festival
Craft

A Talk at the Port Townsend Japanese Woodworking Festival

An abridged version of my talk at the Port Townsend Japanese Woodworking Festival.
Brian Lam
The Sukiya Fence Project, Finished
somakosha

The Sukiya Fence Project, Finished

Mud dried, garden in and roof on. The sukiya garden fence is finally finished.
Brian Lam
How I Travel With Tools and Stones
The Line

How I Travel With Tools and Stones

I’m flying to Japan for class next year. How should I transport my tools?—Shakti
Brian Lam
Tools: A Mystery-Steel Kanna by Keizaburo (for $100)
not a tool store

Tools: A Mystery-Steel Kanna by Keizaburo (for $100)

I bought this mystery plane blade by Keizaburo (圭三郎) for $400 a few years ago. I want to get it to someone like an apprentice for $100
Brian Lam
Tools: 54mm Kiyohisa Chisel
not a tool store

Tools: 54mm Kiyohisa Chisel

Entry #2 — Kiyohisa 54mm oire nomi bench chisel, slightly used
Brian Lam
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