LIHUE — The public has an opportunity to meet temple builder master Tohta Mizuguchi and temple tile artisan master Shuma Narimatsu from Kyoto, Japan, for a lecture, demonstration and slide presentation from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday. The masters will
LIHUE — The public has an opportunity to meet temple builder master Tohta Mizuguchi and temple tile artisan master Shuma Narimatsu from Kyoto, Japan, for a lecture, demonstration and slide presentation from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday.
The masters will share the traditional art of wood joinery, which is on display in a temple at the Lawai International Center.
In a practice of humbleness, the Japanese temple building apprentice lives with his master for a minimum 12 years. Before touching any wood, he sharpens his chisels for 12 hours a day for the first three years.
Master Tohta Mizuguchi is one of the last Japanese temple builders to set foot in this country. While here, he will help with the creation of the Hall of Compassion in Lawai.
This building, created by Asian masters and Kauai volunteers, is a hand-carved structure true to 13th century Japanese architecture, where buildings of this nature have been known to remain standing for more than 1,000 years.
Following the lecture, guests can talk with the masters while tea and tea cakes are served.
Registration is at the door. Donations are accepted.
Email LM@hawaii.rr.com, call 639-4300, or visit www.lawaicenter.org for more information.
