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Nikon D700 + Zeiss 100mm f/2 — 1/250 sec, f/2.8, ISO 720 — map & image data — nearby photos
Simple Tools
Creating a carving pattern with a string, bamboo brush, some ink, and a thumb
Kyoto, Japan
In “Nishimura Stone Lanterns: the Workshop” I introduced a stone-carver workshop in the Kitashirakawa area of Kyoto that I came across last week. I visited again the other day, stopping first at the workshop to request permission to visit their amazing back garden.
The workshop is open to the street, and upon walking up, Paul Barr and I found none other than Daizo Nishimura, the 5th-generation stonecarver/owner at work preparing a stone for carving. I took the photo above before he noticed us.
Upon seeing us, he immediately stopped his work to chat with us. I felt bad about interrupting his work, so kept my chat to a minimum, but got permission to visit the gardens. But as we left, he returned to work, which was compelling enough of a sight that we hung around to watch and take pictures.
Nikon D700 + Zeiss 100mm f/2 — 1/250 sec, f/2.8, ISO 900 — map & image data — nearby photos
Reinforcing the Lines
Nikon D700 + Zeiss 100mm f/2 — 1/250 sec, f/2, ISO 360 — map & image data — nearby photos
Bamboo Ink Pot
Noticing that we still there, he invited us in to take pictures, and cheerfully engaged me in conversation as he went about his work.
Nikon D700 + Zeiss 100mm f/2 — 1/250 sec, f/2, ISO 360 — map & image data — nearby photos
Brush of Split Bamboo
As he started carving, fine shards of granite started flying everywhere, including into my eyes. I jumped back and asked (in Japanese) “wow, don't you ever get this stuff in your eyes while you work?!” to which he replied “Yup, sure do, but you can't see well if you wear glasses...”
Nikon D700 + Zeiss 100mm f/2 — 1/250 sec, f/8, ISO 4000 — map & image data — nearby photos
Starting The Detail Work
His dad (72-year-old Kenzo Nishimura) still works a full day, but was busy with a project at a location down the street, so wasn't there at the time. There were, however, two young, non-family apprentices at work on various projects, and the sound of three hammer pounding away at chisels filled the air as Paul and I ventured toward the back garden....
Very interesting photos that you took at the stone mason’s yard. I really like the close-up view of “Brush of Split Bamboo”.
Glad I got that lens back. You were having entirely too much fun with it.
The “Brush of Split Bamboo” photo is absolutely perfect.
Thanks. He was working fast, so I had to work faster, and have quite a few almost-in-focus shots that attest to my inability to do so consistently. Sometimes it’s best to just be lucky and carry a big memory card. —Jeffrey
I found it very interesting that he uses the split bamboo brush and inkpot as opposed something more modern like say, a Sharpie or even a regular, stiff paintbrush. Did he say anything about why the split bamboo brush is used?
I didn’t ask… it seemed obvious to me, being the same reason that they carve the stones by hand rather than using computer-controlled high-precision milling machines. —Jeffrey