matsuzukuri

Matsuzukuri is a Japanese term that refers to the craft of working pine wood. The exact usage and scope of matsuzukuri vary among sources, but it is generally described as a traditional practice in which pine (matsu) is selected, shaped, joined, and finished to reveal its natural grain and properties. This contrasts with more elaborate finishes or with woods that require heavy processing.

Historically, matsuzukuri has been associated with carpentry tasks in traditional Japanese architecture and crafts, including temple and shrine work, where pine was valued for its light weight, workability, and resistance to splitting. The practice is sometimes described in regional carpentry traditions and in scholarship on Japanese woodcraft, though comprehensive, widely accepted definitions are scarce.

Common techniques in matsuzukuri emphasize preserving the wood's natural character. Purported steps include selecting straight-grained pine, rough shaping, smoothing with planes and chisels, and joining using simple joints. Finishing aims for a restrained look, often using natural oils, waxes, or minimal lacquer to protect the surface while highlighting the wood's color and grain. Tools typical of traditional Japanese carpentry — including saws, planes, and chisels — are employed.

In contemporary practice, matsuzukuri can be found among craftspeople and designers who work with pine in furniture, interior detail, and architectural elements. It is sometimes invoked in contexts emphasizing sustainability, minimal finishes, and a preference for untreated or lightly treated wood.