Kumiko (woodworking)

[1] Thinly-slit wooden pieces are grooved, punched, and mortised, and then fitted individually using a plane, saw, chisel, and other tools to make fine-adjustments.

The technique was developed in Japan in the Asuka Era (600-700 AD).

The end-result is a complex pattern that is used primarily in the creation of shoji doors and screens.

Each design has a meaning or is mimicking a pattern in nature that is thought to be a good omen.

The patterns are designed to look good, but also to distribute light and wind in a calming and beautiful way.