Umeri

Umeri refers to a traditional style of Japanese woodworking that emphasizes the preservation of the wood's natural beauty and characteristics. Unlike techniques that involve extensive shaping and sanding, umeri focuses on minimal manipulation of the material. This approach often involves working with the existing grain, knots, and imperfections of the wood, treating them as integral parts of the final piece rather than flaws to be hidden. The term itself can be loosely translated to mean "unchanged" or "as is," reflecting the philosophy behind the craft.

The techniques employed in umeri are often simple yet precise, prioritizing careful selection of wood and an understanding of its inherent properties. Tools are used with a light touch, aiming to reveal rather than reshape the wood's form. This results in furniture, architectural elements, and other objects that possess a raw, organic aesthetic. Umeri is often associated with a sense of wabi-sabi, the Japanese aesthetic of finding beauty in imperfection and impermanence. The natural aging process of the wood, including changes in color and texture, is embraced and considered part of the artwork's evolution. This understated approach to woodworking seeks to create pieces that feel timeless and deeply connected to nature.