The true appeal of a commission lies in the dialogue. A Poiesis commission brings you into direct conversation with master craftsmen, producing a one-of-a-kind work passed down for generations.
More than an object. A relationship.
When you commission through Poiesis, you are not simply ordering a piece of art. You are entering into a shared process of discovery between you and a master craftsman in Inami.
Together, we explore your way of life, the atmosphere of your home or project, and the stories, beliefs, and memories that matter most to you. These conversations inform every decision, from the choice of wood to the motifs that appear in the carving. Over time, many clients develop lifelong relationships with the artisans who create their pieces.
Each commission also joins a larger story. Your piece helps sustain an endangered 250-year-old craft tradition, supports a community of carvers, and contributes to the training of future apprentices. Your living space is transformed, and so is the future of the craft.
The Commissioning Journey
1. Inquiry & Vision Form
You begin by completing our online commission form.
Here you share photographs of the space, rough dimensions, inspirations, and any personal stories or symbolism you would like reflected in the work.
Poiesis reviews your submission and identifies the most suitable master carver or a short list of two or three artisans whose styles fit your vision.
2. Initial Conversation
Once we have matched you with an artisan, we schedule a consultation to discuss the project in more depth. This call helps us align expectations on scale, style, approximate budget, and timeline.
3. Concept Sketch & Direction
After the consultation, the craftsman prepares a rough concept sketch inspired by your space and our conversation.
We share this initial idea with you for feedback. You may choose one direction, or refine between one or two options. Through this back-and-forth, we arrive at a clear concept that feels true to you and faithful to the craft.
At this stage, we also finalizes the estimated production cost, timeline, and materials.
4. Final Design & Agreement
Once a direction is chosen, the master carver develops a detailed design drawing at full scale.
This is the moment when every element is carefully resolved: composition, depth, motifs, and rhythm of the carving.
With the final design in place, we formalize the project through a written agreement that outlines:
• Approved design
• Final price and payment schedule
• Estimated completion and shipping dates
• Installation considerations, if needed
A design or production deposit is paid at this point, and the commission officially begins.
5. Carving & Creation
The design is transferred onto wood and the carving journey starts.
You will receive periodic updates and photographs from the workshop so you can follow the progress, from rough carving to fine detail.
Additional payments are made in phases linked to progress until the work is completed.
6. Shipping, Delivery & Installation
Once finished, the piece is carefully photographed, documented, and prepared for international shipment with professional packaging and insurance.
For larger architectural works, Poiesis can coordinate with your contractor, architect, or installer to ensure a seamless fit in your space. For select projects, on-site installation support can be arranged.
A Piece for Your Space, a Future for the Craft
Every commission has a double life: it elevates your space, and it sustains a craft.
By commissioning through Poiesis, you:
・Support master craftsmen and their families
・Help train and employ the next generation of carvers
・Contribute directly to the preservation of a 250-year-old cultural heritage
Your decision to live with beauty becomes an act of cultural stewardship.
Begin a Commission
Your commissioning journey starts here.
Complete the form below, and we will follow up with next steps and your initial consultation.