井上喜夫
いのうえ よしお
Joinery
The craft of measuring dimensions with a ruler to create boxes with lids and drawers. Characterized by construction using mortise and tenon joints without nails. During the Muromachi period, demand for furnishings increased alongside the spread of shoin-zukuri architecture and the tea ceremony, leading to the emergence of specialized joinery craftsmen.Edo-period joinery is characterized by pieces that highlight the natural grain of the wood.
About the Craftsman
In 1961, after graduating from high school, he began his apprenticeship under his father, Inoji (deceased, former holder of Arakawa Ward’s Intangible Cultural Property designation), mastering the craft of joinery. Using materials such as mulberry, cypress, Kenbo pear, cherry, yellow birch, oak, and paulownia, he crafts furniture and furnishings including bookkeeping desks, dressing tables, tea chests, writing desks, telephone stands, and low tables.Mr. Inoue currently runs Inoue Kigei alongside his successor, Kenji.
Achievements
- Designated as an Intangible Cultural Property Holder of Arakawa Ward in Fiscal Year 1992
- Certified as a Traditional Craftsman by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry in Fiscal Year 2001
- Certified as a Tokyo Meister (Tokyo’s Outstanding Skilled Worker) for Fiscal Year 2002
- Recipient of the Order of the Sacred Treasure, 4th Class, in Fiscal Year 2012
- Designated as an Intangible Cultural Property Holder of Arakawa Ward in Fiscal Year 2013
Contact Us
- Location: 4-18-5 Higashi-Nippori, Arakawa Ward, Tokyo Inoue Woodcraft
- Hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Closed on Sundays and national holidays)
- Phone: 03-3807-3426
- Fax: 03-3807-3426
- Homepage: Inoue Woodcraft (Link to external site) (Opens in a new window)
- Introduction Video: Living with Tradition—Joinery: Yoshio Inoue