What’s new
7 Apr 2020
Unfortunately because of the extended restrictions in the various states caused by the Wuhan virus, kumiko classes are suspended until further notice. Sorry.
18 Aug 2019
After a long break, I uploaded a few new videos to YouTube giving instructions on cutting some patterns. My YouTube channel is here or click on the YouTube link below.
11 Dec 2018
Book 4 – Diamond Patterns is now available. Please note that the correct Instagram link on Page 114 is https://www.instagram.com/p/BECqUJZovDl/
10 Jun 2018
Kumiko classes will be available from mid July. See the Classes page for further information

Welcome to the website of D & M King

Shoji and Kumiko Design

Please note that due to family health reasons and an eventual move to Japan, I’ve unfortunately had to bring my kumiko, rocking chair, and woodworking life to a close. I no longer have any kumiko or rocking chair items for sale. I apologise for any inconvenience, but my priorities now are on family.

I appreciate your understanding, and I will leave this website up for some time as reference to those who are interested.



Welcome to our website. If you've been here before, you'll notice it's undergone somewhat of a change.

All the former information about shoji and kumiko is still here, and can be easily found by clicking on the navigation bar at the top. Further information will be added over time. If you would like a quote or general information on a quality, hand-crafted traditional shoji door or screen for your home, please have a look at the Ordering page first. Please note that I no longer make the larger shoji screens, only the smaller kumiko work.

I have also published my third book — Shoji and Kumiko Design, Book 3 – Hexagonal Patterns. This follows on from my first two books (Book 1 – The Basics; and Book 2 – Beyond the Basics), and gives detailed instruction on 45 hexagonal patterns.

Book 4 – Diamond Patterns is now out and available. The book gives detailed instructions on 31 diamond patterns, including the amazing
tombo dragonfly pattern and the yotsu-kude four-way joint.

Book 1 - The BasicsBook 2 - Beyond the BasicsBook 3 — Hexagonal PatternsBook 4 Diamond Patterns

All books are available at any of the online Amazon stores.

** Australian residents wishing to purchase the books direct please click here.

** The Instagram link in the Afterword on Page 114,
Book 4 Diamond Patterns is incorrect. The correct link is https://www.instagram.com/p/BECqUJZovDl/. Sorry about any confusion this may have caused, and the error will be corrected.

One-on-one kumiko classes will be available from mid July 2018. See the classes page here for information.

You can also see that there's a new section — rocking chairs; specifically, the beautiful and extremely comfortable rocking chairs designed by Hal Taylor. With every new rocking chair I make, I discover a new aspect of beauty and comfort in this design.

And I'm honoured and pleased to say that Hal has granted me the rights to sell his book, templates, back brace hole template, and DVDs in Australia, New Zealand, and also Japan. So woodworkers Down Under and in the Land of the Long White Cloud can now buy the complete set of plans without the horror of huge postal charges. Postage from Australia to Japan is quite fast and also a very reasonable price. Further information can be found on the Book and Templates page.

So whether your interest is in the fascinating world of shoji and kumiko, or the comfortable and relaxing feel of a wonderful rocking chair, please click on the navigation bar above, or on the relevant image below.

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Des and Mariko King

Please contact us by email through the Contact Page here.
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Also, check us out on Instagram.
There are a lot of images of kumiko patterns and brief explanations on how they are made.

Instagram
I've also established a YouTube channel for videos on various aspects of Japanese woodworking and tools, shoji and kumiko patterns, rocking chairs, and general aspects of Japan and Japanese culture. It's still early days so the number of videos I've made and uploaded is limited, but click here or on the YouTube logo below to visit my channel, and please subscribe if you find the videos interesting.
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