Yakatabune Model Construction

 
 

The Yakatabune kit was an interesting experience. I initially started building it because of an interest in learning more about Japanese Edo Period boats and their construction. But, during the course of the build, I discovered that most of my Japanese contacts have much stronger cultural connections to the Yakatabune than with other traditional Japanese boats.


Basic construction follows the Woody Joe instructions, but I chose to create a look that mimicked that of the Yakatabune seen in tranditional period paintings. So, etched copper parts were painted black, as was the lower hull. I used my own mixture of wood dyes to get the color I wanted. I also added my own details to the interior including zabuton (seating cushions) and a shamisen, a Japanese 3-stringed lute that I play (not the 3” long version).