Edo Kumiko Tatematsu

Edo Kumiko Tatematsu was founded in 1982 in Edogawa-ku, Tokyo.

The founder, Matsuo Tanaka, taught himself the art of Kumiko work while training at a joinery shop. Today, together with the second generation, Takahiro, we continue to carry out fine handcraft work without relying on machines.

The origins of "Kumiko work" date back to the Heian period (794-1185), when Japanese architectural fittings were first created, and various patterns can be woven together by hand from small pieces of wood without the use of any nails.

Many of the traditional Kumiko craft patterns are based on motifs of Japanese nature, such as cherry blossoms, hemp leaves, and snow, and are associated with people's wishes for a good harvest and longevity.

At Edo Kumiko Tatematsu, we produce products that meet modern needs while utilizing traditional techniques. 

Beautiful geometric patterns such as hemp leaves and turtle shells emerge through the soft light of shoji screens.

Kumiko work is a traditional Japanese woodworking technique in which small pieces of wood are hand-crafted into various patterns without the use of nails.

Edo Kumiko Tatematsu is eager to create a wide variety of products that take full advantage of the beauty of Kumiko work, including furniture such as tables and cabinets, small items such as flower vases and coasters, and Andon-type lighting.

Kumiko work has long been used to decorate shoji screens, transoms, and other fittings. Kumiko work patterns are often based on motifs of Japanese nature, such as cherry blossoms, hemp leaves, and snow, and are associated with people's wishes for a good harvest and long life. Many of the traditional designs are said to have been invented by craftsmen in Edo (Tokyo).

At Edo Kumiko Tatematsu, we are committed to handcrafting products with the skills and sophistication of Edo craftsmen, using the eyes and hands of our artisans.

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1989 Ward Mayor's Prize at the Edogawa Ward Traditional Craft Exhibition (Matsuo Tanaka)

1991 The Board of Education Prize at the Edogawa Ward Traditional Craft Exhibition (Matsuo Tanaka)

1996 The Board of Education Prize at the Edogawa Ward Traditional Crafts Exhibition (Matsuo Tanaka)　

2006 Recognized as an Edogawa Ward Designated Intangible Cultural Property (Matsuo Tanaka)

2007 The Technique Prize at the Edogawa Ward Traditional Crafts Exhibition (Takahiro Tanaka)　　　　

2008 The Board of Education Prize at the Edogawa Ward Traditional Crafts Exhibition (Takahiro Tanaka)　

2009 The Board of Education Prize at the Edogawa Ward Traditional Crafts Exhibition (Matsuo Tanaka)

2015 The Board of Education Prize at the Edogawa Ward Traditional Crafts Exhibition (Takahiro Tanaka)

2019 Ward Mayor's Prize at the Edogawa Ward Traditional Craft Exhibition (Takahiro Tanaka)

2019 Recognized as a Tokyo Metropolitan Excellent Technologist (Tokyo Meister) (Matsuo Tanaka)

2020 Received Edogawa Ward Cultural Achievement Award (Matsuo Tanaka)

2023 The Technique Prize at the Edogawa Ward Traditional Crafts Exhibition (Takahiro Tanaka)