History (Origins)

During the early Edo Period (17th century), carpenters skilled in woodcarving were brought together to help construct Nikko's Toshogu Shrine, and the carving they did in their free time when not creating works for the shrine is considered to be the origin of the Nikko-bori woodcarving art.

Characteristics (Techniques and Materials)

A proprietary tool known as a hikkaki is used to achieve the flowing curves, and the Nikko-tsuishu decorative lacquering technique is applied to fully emphasize the elegant appearance of the base materials.