When walking around Furukawa town, you will be impressed by the line of “Cloud” decorated at the space under the eaves of each house. Please experience the nostalgia your mind may feel by the calm atmosphere brought up by the lattice decorating each house’s front.
“Cloud” and “Lattice” are traditional techniques of “Takumi (the Master)” of Hida succeeded into the present day.
Signature of Takumi (the Master), “Cloud”
“Cloud” is a decoration put onto a small arm under the eaves. Various patterns like leaves and arabesque are carved and it is a unique technique used only by the carpenters of Furukawa.
Each carpenter has his own pattern reflecting the affection for the construction and pride of his work. When you have a chance to take a walk, please enjoy the different patterns of “Cloud”.
Approximately 400 kinds of “Cloud” exist now.
Secret of Hida “Takumi (the Master)” – “Chidori-Koshi (Hound’s-tooth)”
"Hound's-tooth" known as the secret of “Takumi (the Master)” of Hida is one of the traditional craftsmanship using the complicated combination of rectangular lumbers.
The lumbers constituting the rectangular are alternatively configured just like warp and woof of a woven fabric. However, if you see it carefully, you will notice that the vertical and horizontal bars are crossed in a way that the inside and outside of the bars are shown alternatively.
Chidori-Koshi (Hound's-tooth) Puzzle
In the regular lattice, an incision of 1/2 in thickness is put on one face of lumber; however, for the case of hound’s-tooth, two incisions of 2/3 in thickness are made on both face of lumber to interlock.
It is said that the origin of the name, “Hound's-tooth”, is from the form of incision looking like plover's footprint.
Signature of Takumi (the Master), “Cloud”
