How to carve patterns part 7 ~Ryusui~

how to carve

流水

“Ryusui” (流水文) is a classic Japanese motif that represents the graceful, winding flow of water.
You might even recognize this pattern from traditional folding fans!

三代沢村宗十郎の大岸蔵人
よっ！　扇子に流水文

In this tutorial, we’ll carve two variations of the Ryusui pattern.

流水文の木彫サンプル

Tools Used

  • Sharp chisel (Kiwa-gatana)

  • Shallow round chisel (Asamaru-gatana)

  • Round chisel (Maru-gatana)

Preparation

Use carbon paper to transfer the Ryusui design onto a postcard-sized wooden board.
You can download the sketch from here: [Ryusui PDF)].

Let’s begin!

流水文を木に写す

1． How to carve flowing water 1

Step 1: Incisions

Using a sharp chisel, follow the red arrow lines in the design.
Start shallow and deepen the incision gradually in the direction of the arrow to give a sense of natural flow.

流水（観世水）_指示書

 

This is what the cross-section will look like:

 

 

Step 3: Finish

Continue carving smoothly and carefully until the sketch disappears.
Take your time—this pattern is all about elegance and fluid motion.

 

流水（観世水）の木彫り完成

 

2．How to carve flowing water 2

This version uses a similar method to the first but adds more line work for variation.

 

流水2_指示書

Step 1: Incisions

Just like in Pattern 1, make incisions with the sharp chisel along the red lines, getting deeper in the direction of the arrows.

 

 

Step 2: Smooth Slopes

Use a shallow round chisel or a round chisel to carve the orange areas into soft, curved surfaces that intersect with your incisions.

 

流水2_指示書その2

Step 3: Carve V-shaped Lines

Now we add some elegant line work:

  • Use the sharp chisel to carve V-shaped grooves along the green lines.

  • Start with a cut at your desired depth and angle, then make another cut from the opposite side to meet it, forming a clean V.

💡 The thickness and clarity of each line depend on your chisel angle and cutting depth.
Experiment with it — but try to keep the V-shaped lines flowing naturally. Avoid choppy or wobbly edges that break the pattern's rhythm.

流水2の木彫り完成

 

How to carve patterns

  1. From the lattice to the scales
  2. Raimon
  3. Asanoha and Sayagata
  4. Seigaiha and Sippo-Tsunagi 
  5. Higaki and Kumikikko
  6. Mimasu-Tsunagi and Mimasu-Chirashi
  7. Ryusui  ←Current page displayed
  8. Bundo-Tsunagi and Tatewaku
  9. Yamajimon and Misujidate
  10. Kemanmon and Gobosei
  11. Chidori and Chidori-Goshi
  12. Nejiume (Twisted plum) 
  13. Kikubishi and Yaegiku
  14. Ichimatsu and Sankuzushi
  15. Kikko and Yagasuri
  16. Clouds
  17. Waves

how to carve