At one time, nearly all of the 270 households in the village of Shawo would have been engaged in woodcraft, but today just six elderly men know the old techniques. Luckily, a younger generation is taking steps to ensure that the craft does not die out.
Traditional woodcraft in the Chinese village of Shawo, Hebei Province, uses foot- and hand-powered lathes to carve utensils, dishes, toys and more from pieces of wood. For example, in the video below, posted by the International Wood Culture Society on their YouTube page, “set turning” is used to carve four nestled bowls out of a single 30-cm block of willow.
The craftsman in this video is 84-year-old Cheng Jinqing and he is assisted by his young apprentice Li Xuemin, one of the younger people in the village working to keep the traditional techniques alive.
First, the artisan chooses his wood, then shapes it into a cylinder with a small axe, a process known as “shaping blank.”
He carves a small base into the blank so that it can be mounted onto the lathe.
Once mounted into the lathe, the artisan uses pedal power to turn the blank while he shaves off strips of wood to get the shape he desires.
Use the set-turning technique, the artisan is able to carve several bowls nestled together, so to speak. This saves about one third of the wood compared to carving them individually.
And the final products are beautiful and delicate, showing off the grain of the wood and a timeless design.
It really is quite lovely to watch the craftsman at work, and it’s good to know that these techniques will not be lost any time soon.
Source and images: International Wood Culture Society
H/T: Kotaro Burogu
New Studio Ghibli collection includes a US$2,450 wooden Totoro 【Video】
Breathtaking video captures the beauty of traditional Japanese washi paper making【Video】
7-Eleven Japan releases a crazy new viral sandwich: Chocolate Sprinkles and Whipped Cream
Studio Ghibli releases the My Neighbour Totoro tea caddy, with a magical self-closing lid
Nissin Donbei to sell Classic line of instant udon and soba noodles for its 50th anniversary
Create a tiny Ghibli anime world on your bookshelf with new miniature papercraft art kits
Public restrooms in Osaka to get in-stall video screens with ads
Ghibli Museum building becomes a cuddly cushion
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Here’s what you need to know before the 2026 Sanrio Character Ranking voting goes live
The massive Pokémon card public art display going on in Japan right now is a thing of beauty【Pics】
Japanese vending machine sells just one thing at this station
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Tokyo government organizes food truck event to clear out delinquent/homeless teen gathering area
Nine amazing off-the-beaten-path cherry blossom spots in Japan for yaezakura and shidarezakura
Stunning central Japan wisteria festival is like a purple fantasy straight out of a Ghibli movie
When will the cherry blossoms reach full bloom in Japan this year?[Forecast]
Studio Ghibli unveils new Rollbahn notebook in honour of Howl’s Moving Castle
Studio Ghibli adds new anime tumblers to its cool streetwear brand in Japan
Universal Studios’ Sailor Moon theme park attraction is finally coming to America
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says