HIDA: A Woodwork Tradition in the Making

HIDA: A Woodwork Tradition in the Making

Presenting a Region’s Contribution to Japan’s Aesthetic and Crafts Traditions

In the Hida Takayama region of Gifu Prefecture, Japan, a woodwork tradition dating back more than 1300 years has been passed on and continually refined, thriving into the current age. HIDA: A Woodwork Tradition in the Making, presented at Japan House Los Angeles, is an exhibition that explores the core of Japanese aesthetics and craftsmanship through Hida’s woodwork tradition. Through the products of Hida Sangyo Co., Ltd., one of the oldest furniture manufacturers in Japan, the exhibition explores the interaction of FOREST, HUMAN, TIME and CRAFT that gave birth to this rich tradition.

飛騨高山には、1300年以上続く木工文化が息づき、伝統の技と心を礎にしたクリエーションが今も脈々と続いています。ジャパン・ハウス ロサンゼルスにて開催中の「HIDA: A Woodwork Tradition in the Making」は、飛騨高山の木工文化を通して、日本のモノづくりの心、美意識に迫る展覧会です。日本の歴史ある家具メーカー、飛騨産業のプロダクトを中心に、展覧会のテーマである「森と歩む」「人を想う」「時を継ぐ」「技を磨く」を表現しています。

Exhibition poster for HIDA: A Woodwork Tradition in the Making at Japan House Los Angeles
Photo of the exhibition venue showcasing Hida woodwork display setup
Illustration explaining themes 'Forest', 'Human', 'Time', and 'Craft' in HIDA exhibition
Hida woodwork artifact photographed against white background highlighting craftsmanship

Concept
The exhibition is divided into two parts, both centered around the themes of coexisting with the forest (Forest), considering inherent human needs (Human), cultivating legacy through time (Time), and continuously refining the craft (Craft). The front gallery serves as an introduction to the Hida region and its longstanding history, culture, and relationship with the forest. The main gallery showcases Hida’s woodwork tradition through the region’s traditional handicrafts and the versatile products of Hida Sangyo. The ever-evolving craftsmanship of the region is evident in the raw materials, manufacturing processes, and finished products displayed together in this gallery.

Photo of the exhibition venue showcasing Hida woodwork display setup
Wide view of exhibition space displaying Hida woodwork pieces
Interior shot of exhibition showing arrangement of Hida Sangyo furniture and artifacts
Interior shot of exhibition showing arrangement of Hida Sangyo furniture and artifacts
Guests attending preview of HIDA woodwork exhibition at Japan House Los Angeles"
Close-up photograph of Hida woodwork piece showing fine details and craftsmanship
Interior shot of exhibition showing arrangement of Hida Sangyo furniture and artifacts
Close-up photograph of Hida woodwork piece showing fine details and craftsmanship
Close-up photograph of Hida woodwork piece showing fine details and craftsmanship
Close-up photograph of Hida woodwork piece showing fine details and craftsmanship
Close-up photograph of Hida woodwork piece showing fine details and craftsmanship
Interior shot of exhibition showing arrangement of Hida Sangyo furniture and artifacts
Interior shot of exhibition showing arrangement of Hida Sangyo furniture and artifacts
Guests attending preview of HIDA woodwork exhibition at Japan House Los Angeles
Guests attending preview of HIDA woodwork exhibition at Japan House Los Angeles
Interior shot of exhibition showing arrangement of Hida Sangyo furniture and artifacts
Close-up photograph of Hida woodwork piece showing fine details and craftsmanship
Close-up photograph of Hida woodwork piece showing fine details and craftsmanship
Guests attending preview of HIDA woodwork exhibition at Japan House Los Angeles
Close-up photograph of Hida woodwork piece showing fine details and craftsmanship
Interior shot of exhibition showing arrangement of Hida Sangyo furniture and artifacts
Close-up photograph of Hida woodwork piece showing fine details and craftsmanship
Close-up photograph of Hida woodwork piece showing fine details and craftsmanship

Exhibition Design: Main Gallery
Six large, low pedestals made from compressed cedar, titled DISCOVER, SHAPE, CONNECT, WELCOME, SENSE, and NURTURE, greet visitors in the main gallery. Following the themes printed on Mino Washi paper from Gifu, visitors can walk around the pedestals as if strolling through the forest. By viewing the raw materials, tools, manufacturing processes, and products up close, sometimes even smelling and touching them, visitors can immerse themselves in the allure of Hida’s woodcraft.

Infographic explaining natural environment context for Hida woodwork traditions
Interior photo of exhibition zone featuring infographics about Hida woodwork and its environment
Interior photo of exhibition zone featuring infographics about Hida woodwork and its environment
Interior photo of exhibition zone featuring infographics about Hida woodwork and its environment
Interior photo of exhibition zone featuring infographics about Hida woodwork and its environment
Interior photo of exhibition zone featuring infographics about Hida woodwork and its environment
Infographic explaining natural environment context for Hida woodwork traditions
Infographic explaining natural environment context for Hida woodwork traditions
Infographic explaining natural environment context for Hida woodwork traditions

Exhibition Design: Front Gallery
In the front gallery, large plywood panels display visual information about the role the Hida region has always played in Japan’s rich culture. Passing through this section, visitors feel as if they are walking through the woods of Hida while familiarizing themselves with the region before entering the main gallery.

Credits

Client
Japan House Los Angeles
Japan House Los Angeles
Collaborator
Hida Sangyo Co., Ltd.
飛騨産業株式会社
Creative Director
Daigo Daikoku
大黒大悟
Designer
Mika Tohmon
東門光香
Motion Designer
Mika Tohmon
東門光香
Project Manager
Megumi Noguchi, Tokotah Ashcraft
野口愛未、Tokotah Ashcraft
Planning
lntertrend Communications, Inc.
lntertrend Communications, Inc.
Content Contribution
Historical Archive Office, Takayama City Board of Education
高山市史編纂
Planning Support
City of Takayama
高山市

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