About Nara Itto-bori (Nara Single-Knife Carving)
Nara Itto-bori are wood-carved figures produced in Nara City, Nara Prefecture. The name derives from the technique of carving wood with a single chisel, producing bold rustic forms depicting deer, tengu demons, lions, zodiac animals, and other subjects from Nara's culture and beliefs. Developed as a folk craft connected to the religious traditions of Kasuga Taisha and Todaiji, the rough chisel marks left on the surface convey a unique vitality. Widely appreciated as souvenirs and good-luck charms with vivid painted decoration.
Techniques & Materials
Craft terms are shown in the original Japanese — these are proper names with no standard English equivalents.
Techniques
一刀彫り（鑿による粗削り）彩色絵付け
Materials
桧（ひのき）楠（くすのき）天然顔料
Where to see & buy
Workshop names are in Japanese; links go to their official sites.
- 奈良一刀彫工房（産地にご確認ください）