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Japanese design concepts and traditional joints for modern furniture

Year 2025, Volume: 8 Issue: 1, 75 - 87, 30.06.2025
https://doi.org/10.33725/mamad.1690660

Abstract

Japanese culture presents refinement, simplicity, aesthetics, and balance. It shows how nature and aesthetics can be integrated into the living space. The architecture of the Japanese house is characterized by sliding doors and partitions that can be removed to create large, open, and flexible spaces. Traditional furniture has a simple beauty and functionality that fits perfectly with Japanese life and philosophy. Japanese wood products are uniquely crafted without nails or screws, relying on precise joinery for durability. Such a technique yields very durable and aesthetically pleasing furniture pieces. Japanese wood techniques, employing the art of Japanese woodworking, offer training in the wood workshop, teaching patience and respect for nature. This study reviews and highlights Japanese design concepts along with a selection of traditional jointing techniques for furniture. Based on them, a modern table inspired by the Torii Gate was designed. Therefore, modern furniture inspired by such concepts can stand the test of time.

Project Number

-

References

  • Adriasola, I., Teaseley, S., Traganou, J., Tsuji, Y., & Kikkawa, H. (2016). Design and society in modern Japan: An introduction, Review of Japanese Culture and Society, 28, 1–50
  • Breyer, A. (2020). The art of simple living: 100 daily practices from a japanese zen monk for a lifetime of calm and joy, TarcherPerigee.
  • Brown, R. (2011). Japanese woodworking tools: their tradition, spirit and use, Linden Publishing.
  • Engel, H. (1985). Measure and construction of the Japanese house, Tuttle Publishing.
  • Fujita, Y. (2003). Traditional Japanese architecture: cultural heritage and craftsmanship, Shokokusha.
  • Hirano, K. (1991). Japanese style: designing with nature, Kodansha International.
  • Ito, K. (1998). Architecture and authority in Japan, University of London Press.
  • Izuhara, J. (2020). Intermediate guide to Japanese joinery: the secret to making complex japanese joints and furniture using affordable tools, Amazon Digital Services LLC.
  • Jodidio, P. (2005). Contemporary Japanese architecture. Taschen.
  • Juniper, A. (2003). Wabi Sabi: The Japanese art of impermanence, Tuttle Publishing.
  • Keane, M. (1996). Japanese garden design, Tuttle Publishing.
  • Li, Q. (2018). Forest bathing: how trees can help you find health and happiness, Viking.
  • Nakashima, G. (1981). The soul of a Tree: A master woodworker's reflections, Kodansha International.
  • Nitschke, G. (1993). From Shinto to Ando: studies in architectural anthropology in Japan, Academy Editions.
  • Sato, H., & Nakahara, Y. (1995). The complete Japanese joinery, Hartley & Marks Publishers Inv.
  • Seike, K. (1977). The art of Japanese joinery. Weatherhill: Shambhala Publications, Inc.
  • Spanu O.A. (2024). Japanese wooden techniques for furniture, Dissertation. Transilvania University of Brasov.
  • Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum. (2006). The art of Japanese joinery, Kobe, Japan.
  • URL 1. (2025). https://modernegallery.com/what-makes-a-george-nakashima-table-so-unique/ accessed 30 April 2025
  • URL 2. (2025). https://fuqiumeng.com/news/73-interview-hisao-hanafusa-i-do-it-with-author-dr.-tingting-xu/ accessed 30 April 2025
  • URL 3. (2025). https://britannica.com/topic/torii accessed 30 April 2025
  • Wall, J. (2021). Wood works. Thesis. Architecture and urban design, Chalmers University of Technology,
  • Yoshida, M. (2009). Japanese furniture and joinery techniques, Kodansha International.
  • Young, D. E., & Young, M. (2008). The art of the japanese garden, Tuttle Publishing.

Modern mobilyalar için Japon tasarım konseptleri ve geleneksel birleştirmeler

Year 2025, Volume: 8 Issue: 1, 75 - 87, 30.06.2025
https://doi.org/10.33725/mamad.1690660

Abstract

Japon kültürü incelik, sadelik, estetik ve denge sunar. Doğanın ve estetiğin yaşam alanına nasıl entegre edilebileceğini gösterir. Japon evinin mimarisi, büyük, açık ve esnek alanlar yaratmak için çıkarılabilen sürgülü kapılar ve bölmelerle karakterize edilir. Geleneksel mobilyalar, Japon yaşamı ve felsefesiyle mükemmel bir şekilde uyuşan basit bir güzelliğe ve işlevselliğe sahiptir. Japon ahşap ürünlerinin tasarımında çivi veya vida kullanılmadığı bilinen bir gerçektir ve bu da onları hassas bağlantılara sahip olmaları nedeniyle çok benzersiz kılar. Böyle bir teknik, çok dayanıklı ve estetik mobilya parçalarıyla sonuçlanır. Japon ahşap işçiliği sanatını kullanan Japon ahşap teknikleri, ahşap atölyesinde eğitim sunarak sabrı ve doğaya saygıyı öğretir. Bu çalışma, Japon tasarım konseptlerini ve mobilyalar için geleneksel birleştirme tekniklerinden bazılarını inceler ve vurgular. Bunlara dayanarak, Torii Kapısı'ndan esinlenen modern bir masa tasarlanmıştır. Dolayısıyla bu konseptlerden ilham alan modern mobilyalar zamana meydan okuyabiliyor.

Project Number

-

References

  • Adriasola, I., Teaseley, S., Traganou, J., Tsuji, Y., & Kikkawa, H. (2016). Design and society in modern Japan: An introduction, Review of Japanese Culture and Society, 28, 1–50
  • Breyer, A. (2020). The art of simple living: 100 daily practices from a japanese zen monk for a lifetime of calm and joy, TarcherPerigee.
  • Brown, R. (2011). Japanese woodworking tools: their tradition, spirit and use, Linden Publishing.
  • Engel, H. (1985). Measure and construction of the Japanese house, Tuttle Publishing.
  • Fujita, Y. (2003). Traditional Japanese architecture: cultural heritage and craftsmanship, Shokokusha.
  • Hirano, K. (1991). Japanese style: designing with nature, Kodansha International.
  • Ito, K. (1998). Architecture and authority in Japan, University of London Press.
  • Izuhara, J. (2020). Intermediate guide to Japanese joinery: the secret to making complex japanese joints and furniture using affordable tools, Amazon Digital Services LLC.
  • Jodidio, P. (2005). Contemporary Japanese architecture. Taschen.
  • Juniper, A. (2003). Wabi Sabi: The Japanese art of impermanence, Tuttle Publishing.
  • Keane, M. (1996). Japanese garden design, Tuttle Publishing.
  • Li, Q. (2018). Forest bathing: how trees can help you find health and happiness, Viking.
  • Nakashima, G. (1981). The soul of a Tree: A master woodworker's reflections, Kodansha International.
  • Nitschke, G. (1993). From Shinto to Ando: studies in architectural anthropology in Japan, Academy Editions.
  • Sato, H., & Nakahara, Y. (1995). The complete Japanese joinery, Hartley & Marks Publishers Inv.
  • Seike, K. (1977). The art of Japanese joinery. Weatherhill: Shambhala Publications, Inc.
  • Spanu O.A. (2024). Japanese wooden techniques for furniture, Dissertation. Transilvania University of Brasov.
  • Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum. (2006). The art of Japanese joinery, Kobe, Japan.
  • URL 1. (2025). https://modernegallery.com/what-makes-a-george-nakashima-table-so-unique/ accessed 30 April 2025
  • URL 2. (2025). https://fuqiumeng.com/news/73-interview-hisao-hanafusa-i-do-it-with-author-dr.-tingting-xu/ accessed 30 April 2025
  • URL 3. (2025). https://britannica.com/topic/torii accessed 30 April 2025
  • Wall, J. (2021). Wood works. Thesis. Architecture and urban design, Chalmers University of Technology,
  • Yoshida, M. (2009). Japanese furniture and joinery techniques, Kodansha International.
  • Young, D. E., & Young, M. (2008). The art of the japanese garden, Tuttle Publishing.
There are 24 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Wooden Buildings and Constructions
Journal Section Research Article
Authors

Oprea-adrian Spanu This is me 0009-0000-6098-111X

Emilia Adela Salca 0000-0002-8809-4341

Project Number -
Submission Date May 3, 2025
Acceptance Date June 12, 2025
Early Pub Date June 22, 2025
Publication Date June 30, 2025
Published in Issue Year 2025 Volume: 8 Issue: 1

Cite

APA Spanu, O.- adrian, & Salca, E. A. (2025). Japanese design concepts and traditional joints for modern furniture. Mobilya Ve Ahşap Malzeme Araştırmaları Dergisi, 8(1), 75-87. https://doi.org/10.33725/mamad.1690660

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