Crafting Wood with Japanese Techniques
Dining counter constructed for the sushi restaurant, Yuzu in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Constructed of Port Orford Cedar, also known as “American Hinoki” due to its similarity to the famed Japanese cypress.
The large miter joints on the wrap-around counter are fabricated using joints typically reserved for Japanese timber frame construction. The interlocking joints are held by keys that force the two boards together for a tight fit.
All surfaces are first hand planed before receiving several coats of commercial grade catalyzing varnish to protect them from the rigors of a restaurant environment. The edge of the upper counter has been hand tooled using the Japanese spear plan, “yari ganna” before being charred and brushed smooth.
The beauty of Japanese joinery methods is that they have been refined over millennia to be elegant, functional and work with the natural strength of the wood. A simple oak wedge pushes on finely adjusted bearing surfaces so that as it is driven in the two pieces are locked together.