Kamakura-bori Kaikan
craft
Kamakura-bori Kaikan
鎌倉彫会館
Overview
Headquarters of 800-year-old Kamakura-bori, deep-relief wood carving with professional lacquer finishing.
Kamakura-bori is a lacquerwork tradition that has been practiced in this city for around 800 years, and this building is its main center. The technique involves carving deep relief patterns into katsura wood, then applying layered coats of lacquer that build up slowly over weeks. Workshops teach the carving stage, letting visitors work a wooden plate or small tray with traditional chisels. Upstairs, the gallery displays historic and contemporary pieces that show the range of what the craft can achieve, from functional tableware to sculptural objects.
Local tips
Your carved piece is sent for professional lacquering. It arrives 2-3 months later, transformed.
Practical info
- Japanese name
- 鎌倉彫会館
- Nearest station
- Kamakura Station (2 min walk)
- Reservations
- Book workshops through the studio's website or by phone at least 1-2 days ahead. Walk-in possible on quiet weekdays.
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