Welcome to MysticWood.net where you can browse through our portfolio of custom carved, one-of-a-kind Butsudans.

Chip carving is a style of woodcarving in which knives are used to remove selected “chips” of wood from the project in a single piece. In theory, chip carvings have just two levels, or planes: the wood surface, and the point beneath the surface where the cuts meet.

John uses two hand-held knives to complete all carving cuts: a “chip carving knife” and a “stab knife.” NO power carving tools are ever used. John does use power tools to turn rough lumber into plates, frames, boxes, screens, quilt racks, clocks, furniture and framed mirrors that are then lovingly embellished with chip carved designs.

Almost every society throughout history has a carving tradition that fits this definition. The exact ethnic origin of chip carving is unknown. It appears to have originated in various cultures independently. Chip carving has a long history of use in decorating various wooden household items including furniture, as well as in creating purely artistic pieces.

Every piece is signed by the craftsman and is an original, one-of-a-kind. John welcomes custom orders for a personalized heirloom gift.