木象嵌とは
Moku-zogan is a technique that involves precisely combining wood of different colors and grain patterns to create patterns and designs.
This technique has been used since ancient times to decorate furniture and crafts.
Moku-zogan is a highly delicate and artistic technique that makes use of the natural beauty of wood and is completed through the skilled techniques of craftsmen.
At Mori Kogei, we refer to “Moku-zogan” as marquetry or wood inlay.
[History of Wood Inlay]
The technique of wood inlay has developed in various parts of the world since ancient times, and its origins date back to very early times.
The oldest known example of inlay is found in the burial goods of King Tutankhamun of ancient Egypt. In particular, the oldest example of wood inlay is a stool that was part of King Tutankhamun's burial goods, which is currently on display at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.
This stool features ivory and precious stones inlaid into wood, serving as a valuable artifact that demonstrates the advanced craftsmanship and aesthetic sensibility of ancient Egypt.
Inlay techniques also developed in ancient Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley Civilization, with the possibility of wood being used as well.
In these civilizations, inlay techniques were widely employed in religious rituals and decorative items, achieving unique developments.
Inlay techniques were also widely used in ancient Rome and Greece, and later spread to the Islamic world. In the Islamic world, delicate inlay techniques characterized by geometric patterns developed, and were extensively used in architecture and decorative items.
[History of Wood Inlay in Japan]
The history of wood inlay in Japan is best exemplified by the treasures stored in the Shosoin Repository, which was established during the Nara period.
The Shosoin Repository houses many furnishings and crafts used by Emperor Shomu, including items decorated with wood inlay.
These items were developed based on techniques introduced from China and the Korean Peninsula, but with a unique Japanese aesthetic sensibility, and were widely used in Buddhist crafts and aristocratic decorative items.
During the Edo period, wood inlay spread further and became widely used in furniture, stationery, and decorative items, establishing itself as a traditional Japanese craft.
[History of Wood Inlay]
The technique of wood inlay has developed in various regions around the world since ancient times, and its origins date back to extremely ancient times.
The oldest example of wood inlay was discovered among the burial goods of King Tutankhamun of ancient Egypt. In particular, the oldest example of wood inlay is a chair that was part of King Tutankhamun's burial goods, which is currently on display at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.
This chair features ivory and gemstones inlaid into the wood, serving as a valuable artifact that demonstrates the advanced craftsmanship and aesthetic sensibility of ancient Egypt.
Inlay techniques also developed in ancient Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley Civilization, where the use of wood may have been possible.
In these civilizations, inlay techniques were widely used in religious ceremonies and decorative items, evolving in unique ways.
Inlay techniques were also widely used in ancient Rome and Greece and later spread to the Islamic world. In the Islamic world, delicate inlay techniques characterized by geometric patterns developed and were widely adopted in architecture and decorative items.
[Wood Inlay Technique]
Wood inlay is a traditional technique that involves precisely combining wood pieces of different colors and grain patterns to create patterns and designs.
There are various methods for precisely cutting wood, but the basic production process involves first drawing the design on the base wood, then cutting out wood pieces of different types and colors to match the design. The overall design is completed by carefully fitting these wood pieces together.
At Mori Kogei, we use “Tsuki-ita” for wood inlay, which is extremely thin, allowing for more delicate and intricate expressions.
[Modern Wood Inlay]
Even in modern times, wood inlay is widely used as a decorative technique for high-end furniture and crafts.
In today's rapidly evolving world of mechanization and technology, we strive to deeply understand traditional techniques and elevate them into new forms of modern craftsmanship.
STAND Hoek Japanese Oak（Indigo Dyed）
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