Welcome to MORI CHOKOKUSHO

Here, centuries-old traditions of Japanese temple woodcarving are brought to life through handcrafted wooden wall art and sculptures. Located in Kaminyu, Maibara, Shiga Prefecture—a historic village renowned for its woodcarving heritage—our studio has spent more than half a century transforming natural timber into sacred sculptures and refined relief artworks.

Our story is built upon a family legacy. The foundation of that legacy was laid by the late Tessō Mori, a certified Traditional Craftsman of Japan. Since its establishment in 1971, Mori Carving Studio has dedicated itself to preserving and advancing the traditional art of Japanese woodcarving. In 2016, Tessō Mori was honored with the succession of the prestigious sculptor name Shinnojo Kuyama, a distinguished lineage associated with Kyoto's renowned carving tradition. Today, his artistic spirit continues through Nozomu Mori, who participated in the restoration of the sacred Dadaiko drums of Kasuga Taisha Grand Shrine, and through the next generation of artisans, Yasuichiro Mori and Tetsuo Mori.

From sacred Buddhist sculptures and finely carved Buddha head sculptures to intricately detailed wall reliefs, every piece is individually hand-carved from natural wood. We primarily work with traditional Japanese woods such as camphor, Japanese cypress, and zelkova, carefully selecting each material for its character, beauty, and suitability to the artistic vision of the work.

Our creations are rooted in daily dedication, shaped by Zen meditation and a deep reverence for nature. With every strike of the chisel, we seek to bring mindfulness, tranquility, and timeless elegance into the wood.

To learn more about the personal stories, techniques, and philosophies of our artisans across three generations, we invite you to visit our Journal article:

"KEEPERS OF A LIVING TRADITION – The Artisans of Mori"

https://templeart.base.shop/blog/2026/06/10/170428

You may also explore detailed artisan profiles by selecting "Explore the Studio" on our homepage.

We invite you to experience the true spirit of Japanese family craftsmanship and a living artistic legacy that continues today. Welcome timeless works infused with the artistry of Zen into your own space.

Official Japanese Website

For those interested in exploring the deeper history and activities of Mori Carving Studio in Japanese, we invite you to visit our official Japanese website.

There you will find additional information about our heritage, temple woodcarving projects, and the continuing story of our family workshop.

https://morityoukoku.amebaownd.com/

Follow Mori Carving Studio on Instagram

Discover new artworks, the stories behind each sculpture, and glimpses into our workshop as we continue the tradition of Japanese woodcarving.

https://www.instagram.com/mori_chokokusho/

Studio Information

Artisans
Nozomu Mori, Yasuichiro Mori, Tetsuo Mori (continuing the legacy of Tessō Mori)

Location
Maibara, Shiga Prefecture, Japan

Established
1971

Traditional Craftsman Heritage

Contact

For inquiries, custom commissions, or artwork purchases, please feel free to contact us.

Email
[email protected]

Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/mori_chokokusho/

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/MoriChokokusho/

Contact Form
Available on our website.

We welcome inquiries from around the world. While English communication may occasionally require translation assistance, we are committed to responding as carefully and thoughtfully as possible.

As a small family studio dedicated to hand-carved craftsmanship, responses may occasionally take several days during busy periods. We sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding.

We look forward to hearing from you.