PORTSMOUTH — Jeffrey Cooper pointed to his work bench, which held pieces of wood carved with Japanese characters. He'd heard, when you go visiting in Japan, you should bring a gift. He picked up a few ...

(07-16) 18:24 PDT OAKLAND-- Nine varieties of bamboo surround Jay van Arsdale's home in Oakland. Pass through a hand-carved gate, enter the large, airy workshop where he plays a CD of shakuhachi - ...

First emerging in Japan in the Asuka period of about 538 to 710 C.E., the intricate woodworking practice of kumiko has since spread worldwide. Once reserved for screens or inlaid panels in handmade ...