Friday, March 22, 2019

Japanese carpentry

This Japanology segment begins by explaining Japanese carpenters a thousand years ago observed trees growing differently on north and south sides of mountains and they kept that orientation in their gates and their buildings. This is one explanation as to how their wooden structures survived so long.

The main point of the segment is about the various complex wooden joints so much like puzzles and without nails and how they are made. The most fun part of the segment is near the end at 23:25 when the host, ever gracious Peter Barakan, tries his hand at planing a long board. Needless to say he doesn't do so well as the master carpenter.

3 comments:

The Dude said...

That woman's accent is beyond annoying, but the horseshit she is spewing is even worse.

Chip Ahoy said...

My horseshit detector did not sound off. Is there something specifically bullshitty you noticed?

The Dude said...

Her claim that where a tree grew and where it is placed in a structure affects how long it lasts. Total horseshit. Proper building techniques, keeping water away from it and long term maintenance have much more to do with the longevity of any part of a building. Her claims are as intelligent and valid as feng shui - which, as we all know, is interior decorating based on Chinese superstitions. No thanks - we have plenty good superstitions of our own.