THE SACRED VALLEY

200 Years of Kaminyū Woodcarving Heritage

Deep within the mountains of Shiga, Japan, lies Kaminyū—a secluded, frost-bound valley where winter sun lasts for a mere three hours a day. Here, steep mountains block the sun, making agriculture impossible. Forced to look beyond the earth for survival, the people of this valley turned to the bountiful, crystal-clear mountain water and the rich soil beneath them, birthing a legendary sanctuary of craftsmanship.

The true name of this land, "Nibu" (丹生), carries an ancient secret, meaning "the birth of red earth and mercury"—substances deeply tied to sacred rituals and traditional Japanese arts. The lineage of Kaminyū stretches back over 1,200 years to the Tempyō period (8th century), home to the elite Okinaga Nibu no Mahito clan. This valley became a vital cultural crossroads where advanced knowledge from ancient continental immigrants merged with Japanese devotion. Historical records reveal that master painters from this very clan traveled to the imperial capitals and ancient temples to execu

te sacred commissions.

As early as the 8th century, the region's unique heritage was established, with later generations becoming masters of traditional crafts. In 1926, a fine woodcarving sculpture from Kaminyū earned recognition at the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts in Paris.

Despite modern challenges, Mori Carving Studio preserves this 1,200-year legacy, specializing in high-end temple and shrine artistry, ensuring the Kaminyū tradition endures.

By welcoming our work, you support the enduring 1,200-year soul of Kaminyū craftsmanship.

Whether you wish to explore our collection or commission a unique bespoke piece for your space, we invite you to begin a conversation with our studio.

Explore the Collection（作品コレクションを見る）

Connect with Us

For inquiries, custom orders, or to purchase a piece, please feel free to reach out to us through any of the following channels:

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @morichokoku

Contact Form: Available on our website