Japanese Kumiko Lamps - Sawdust for Science

I am not a master of the art of Kumiko, but I aspire to develop mastery in this specific school of woodworking more than any other. I find it quite meditative as most of Kumiko work is done with hand tools, and requires a good deal of concentration and precision.

I have made 6 lamps so far. While I could use the traditional shoji paper, I have made my lamps with cut-to-fit colored glass that can be removed and replaced. This way, if you would like a different color of glass, you can easily change these panels out. Lamps designed for glass panels will come with a MDF template for having glass cut to fit the panels. I like Franklin Glass here in Columbus for this type of glass.`

This lamp can change lighting colors, controlled by app

Two illuminated wooden lanterns with detailed Kumiko star patterns displayed on a white pedestal, with a person kneeling beside them for scale. — Large and small pair of Walnut and Basswood lamps with white glass panels and led bulb light

Two illuminated wooden lanterns with Kumiko lattice and star patterns placed on a corner shelf beside a framed artwork and small decorative items.

A tall wooden lantern with layered reddish and dark trim and vertical Kumiko lattice panels, shown on a workbench inside a garage workshop. — Bloodwood, Ebony, and Basswood lamp with light pink glass panels and LED light strip

Two wooden lanterns with intricate Kumiko patterns and frosted panels displayed on a table in a warmly lit room. — Matching Pair of Cherry, Walnut, and Basswood lamps with white glass panels and led bulb light

A collection of tools laid out for kumiko woodworking including a saw, a chisel, and various small shapes of wood

A tall, narrow framed Kumiko panel with a repeating geometric lattice pattern hangs on a wall between two colorful artworks. — Kumiko panels can also be made into framed objects to match surrounding picture frames