SINGAPORE – For generations, the Japanese have believed in striking a delicate balance between man and nature. Embodying this philosophy, the third edition of Into the Woods – a gallery of woodwork by a new generation of craftspeople from the Yoshino forests has arrived in Singapore.

And now, you, too, can have a piece of Japanese craftsmanship in your home, be it artwork, a piece of furniture or everyday items.

Stepping into the gallery, you can’t help but stop and admire the beauty in the everyday. Skywood’s kitchenware, such as chopping boards, come with such beautiful clear wood lines; they are not only functional but look good on display. Much care is taken during the manufacturing process, from logging to production and processing of materials. Design-wise, it is evident the craftsmen took pains in harnessing the natural beauty from the material's most natural state.

At Into the Woods, you can also expect to find one-of-its-kind one-off furniture pieces to bring home. For example, take a look at studio Jig’s impressive armchair that overhauls the usual perception of what a wooden chair should look like. The curvature of the wooden backrest is unlike any we have seen. This is achieved using his unique ‘free form lamination’ technique to curve the wood freely. Of course, this technique would not have been possible without the quality and characteristics of Yoshino materials.

The afforested Yoshino woods

You can find Yoshino trees as old as 500 years old in the afforested mountains in central Nara Prefecture. Known for its optimal climate and abundance of natural resources, Yoshino’s timber combines beauty and diversity. This is evident in its rugged adaptability, soft and warm textures, uniform and straight trunks, and antibacterial properties. Moreover, the forests' Cedar and Cypress timber, in particular, are known globally for their superior calibre.

Long before the term sustainability entered the public consciousness, the residents of Yoshino have lived in harmony with nature for generations. This century-old sustainable practice carries through to the manufacturing process, where timber ends trimmed away during lumber production for architecture, furniture, and lifestyle products are never wasted. Instead, you can find them repurposed as chopsticks, maximising every bit of Yoshino’s precious timber.

Into the Woods – the third edition

At the ongoing exhibition, the third edition of Into The Woods, you get to immerse yourself in the dedication and innovation of a new generation of craftspeople devoted to preserving the Yoshino forests and their craft industry. Bring a piece of handcrafted nature into your home.

Into The Woods: Crafted from Yoshino Nature

Lumine Singapore

6 Eu Tong Sen St, Singapore 059817

From now till 5th January 2022

11am to 10pm daily