How to Evaluate Japanese Wood Carvings

Examine the wood, its grains and patterns. Was the wood cut masame-dori (straight grain cut) or was it cut itame-dori (cross grain cut). Try to determine why the craftsman chose this type of cut versus another. Does grain enhance the shape and structure of the carving? Much of the appreciation process is subjective; to the untrained eye, a carved piece might look beautiful the way it was cut and what the grain offers, but a master craftsman may discover subtleties and flaws.

Determine the type of wood used, whether from coniferous or deciduous trees. Each has its own subtle characteristics. Cedar, pine and yew are examples of coniferous trees, while mulberry and horse chestnut (zelkova) are native Japanese broad leaf trees. Each group is sub-categorized into native hardwoods, softwoods and imported woods. Which did the craftsman choose and why? To answer this, you may have to brush up on the differences and why one might be selected over another. Bowls, for example, are traditionally made from hardwoods.

Look at the complexity of the carved wood piece. If it was made from more than one piece of wood, it is necessary to look at how finely the "joinery," has been accomplished. There are various degrees of complexity involved in joining wood. A small ornate cosmetics box, for example, requires very fine and detailed mortise and tenon work, while a table is much more rudimentary. Not all joints are mortise and tenon, either. Japanese wood carvers use techniques including butted joints (edge-to-edge) and box joints (right angles), known respectively as hagiawase and kumitsugi joints. The fineness of the joint work tells a lot about the skill of the woodworker. Sometimes the structure determines the kind of joint needed and sometimes the craftsman designs a piece with the intent of joining them in certain ways.

Determine if the wood was block-carved, or carved from a single block of wood using chisels, planes and knives. These are the most unique pieces because it is impossible to replicate them. Block carving reflects the most artistry, as a woodworker must make the burls and grains come to life and "speak," and also requires the greatest amount of creativity. The biggest question, taking the above factors into consideration, is whether the piece appeals to you. It's very similar to evaluating painting. Works from the cubist period may intrigue some while others view it as junk art.

Examine the moko-zogan (inlay) from an entirely different perspective. The inlay is entirely decorative and involves carving grooves or holes or embedding stone, ivory, metals, shells and other woods to complement the carved wood. It should highlight the beauty of the carving, not detract from it, and speaks volumes about the artistry and creativity of the woodworker who crafted the piece.

Study as much as you can or care to about the Japanese craft of wood carving. It helps tremendously in your appreciation of the artistry. No matter how experienced or inexperienced you are, as with most thing, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.