In this project, I explored kumiko (組子) — the traditional Japanese woodworking technique of assembling intricate wooden patterns without nails.
For this experiment, I chose balsa wood because it’s soft and easy to cut with a simple craft knife. To shape the strips precisely, I made three custom cutting jigs at 22.5°, 45°, and 60° angles.
From this process, I created a headboard panel and a wall frame. On the back, I attached Chinese paper, which softly diffuses light — perfect if a LED strip is placed behind the panels.
Wall frame, kumiko jigs, exploring kumiko patterns
Drafting process, reassembling the headboard
process video - assembling one part of the headboard