• Shou Sugi Ban: The Traditional Art of Charred Cedar

Shou Sugi Ban

The Traditional Japanese Art of Charred Cedar

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  • Overview 概要
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  • Techniques 技術
    • Shou Sugi Ban 101
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Overview

Shou Sugi Ban 焼杉板 (or Yakisugi) is an ancient Japanese exterior siding technique that preserves wood by charring it with fire. Traditionally, sugi 杉 (Cryptomeria japonica L.f.), also called Japanese red-cedar, was used. The process involves charring the wood, cooling it, cleaning it, and finishing it with a natural oil.

Today Shou Sugi Ban is an environmentally friendly way to preserve timber and, paradoxically, make it fire-resistant. Chemical preservatives, paints and retardants are therefore unnecessary. In addition to exterior uses, the popular technique is now found in interior rooms, furniture, and artwork.

Learn more…

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    A Visual Meditation on Shou Sugi Ban

    Many of you will enjoy this beautiful mediation on Japanese technique of preserving and antiquing wood through charring with fire called shou-sugi-ban 焼き杉. Note that the oil used for final finish of the charred boards is plain tung oil.

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 Older Posts
Newer Posts 

The Traditional Japanese Art of Charred Cedar

Shou Sugi Ban 焼杉板 (or Yakisugi) is an ancient Japanese exterior siding technique that preserves wood by charring it with fire. Traditionally, sugi 杉 (Cryptomeria japonica L.f.), also called Japanese red-cedar, was used. The process involves charring the wood, cooling it, cleaning it, and finishing it with a natural oil.

Today Shou Sugi Ban is an environmentally friendly way to preserve timber through charring which, paradoxically, makes it fire-resistant. Chemical preservatives, paints and retardants are therefore unnecessary. In addition to exterior uses, the popular technique is now found in interior rooms, furniture, and artwork.
Learn more…

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