Rooted in the legacy of Enku, a revered monk from the Edo period, whose presence imbued the region with a sense of divine inspiration, Enku carving has flourished as a testament to the profound connection between humanity and the natural world.
Enku, known for his devotion to Buddhism, left behind a legacy of carved wooden Buddha statues that continue to inspire awe and reverence to this day.
It is said that Enku , as he is respectfully referred to, spent considerable time in the Nyukawa area of Takayama City, leaving an indelible mark on the spiritual landscape of the region.
Crafted from locally sourced logs of cedar, cypress, Enku carving is a labor of love, with artisans boldly wielding machetes to shape the rough contours of their creations before refining them with delicate precision using chisels.
Certified as a Gifu Prefecture local craft, Enku carving stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of craftsmanship that thrives in the heart of Hida Takayam