Mortise and tenon, as a method of joinery in woodworking, was already in use among diverse regions and peoples in antiquity – testament to the seamless union between human ingenuity and natural materials. The earliest surviving mortise-and-tenon structures date back seven thousand years to the Neolithic period, found respectively in the large-scale constructions of the Hemudu culture in Zhejiang, China, and the Linear Pottery culture settlements in Germany. The ancient chisel marks left in wood, passed down and intertwined through countless generations, gradually converged from grand architectural feats into the fine, intimate joints of furniture and traditional construction.

Following the course of our Growth Ring project, we have invited one of our programme instructors, Ken Chow, to share with participants and the wider public his experience of studying woodcraft both locally and abroad, and to explore how the craft wisdom born thousands of years ago can be woven into his woodworking practice today. If, millennia later, we shape timber using techniques older than the felled tree itself, can we create a resonance that echoes across time with its growth rings?

The talk will be held at Yat Muk Woodwork Studio, founded by Ken. In addition to hearing about the cultural differences he encountered at woodworking schools in mainland China and Taiwan – and how those experiences have informed his practice – participants will have the opportunity to handle and deconstruct a variety of exquisitely crafted mortise-and-tenon models, appreciating the reverence and meticulous design that craftspeople have long devoted to wood. Each participant will also take home a set of two DIY wooden chopstick rests assembly kit as a small, hands-on encounter with the art of shaping wood. Places are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, so those interested in the art of mortise-and-tenon joinery are encouraged to register early.

Speaker

Ken Chow Ken is passionate about woodworking. After dedicating himself fully to the craft, he has travelled abroad on numerous occasions to study woodcraft – honing his skills while gaining insight into the cultural and technical differences across traditions. Through these hands-on experiences and study trips, he seeks to deepen his understanding of traditional woodworking. In 2019, he founded Yat Muk Studio. The name ‘Yat Muk’ (一木) is derived from the Chinese words for ‘a lifetime’ and ‘woodwork’, reflecting his aspiration to create furniture that last a lifetime. The studio offers structured woodworking courses covering both theory and hands-on training, available in private or small-group formats. Yat Muk also regularly serves as a workshop facilitator for community centres, arts programmes and different organisations, with participants ranging from primary and secondary school students to corporate groups.

Date
6 June 2026 (Saturday)

Time
10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Location 
Yat Muk Studio, Kwun Tong 

Language
Cantonese

Target Audience
Aged 16 years and above

Capacity
12 people

Fee
HK$350 per person*
*Includes a set of two chopstick holder DIY kit.

Note

• Participants will be dismissed at the venue after the activity ends.
• Payment is not refundable after acceptance, unless the programme is cancelled due to inclement weather or under-enrolment.
• ​The programme does not provide any form of allowance, stipend or insurance.
• Please be reminded that applicants with G6PD Deficiency need to state this clearly on the application form.

Application
Please CLICK HERE to submit your online application before 30 May 2026.
Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Enquiry
Contact Ms Michelle Tam at 2483 7228 during office hours or email michelle.tam@kfbg.org.

About Growth Ring

As part of our routine tree management at Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, we sometimes need to prune or even remove certain trees. The timber, sourced from our own forests, possesses unique grain patterns that serve as an imprint of our local landscape. Unwilling to see this valuable material go to waste, we process the large volume of wood generated from our tree work through a dedicated Wood Recycling Programme, converting much of it into agricultural resources. Larger logs and timber are repurposed as materials for on-site facilities and Nature Art Programmes, and formed the foundation for Growth Ring: Empowering Wood Upcycling through Training and Innovation.

In this programme, participants first learn about tree species and wood processing from our experts. Veteran local artisans then teach traditional woodworking, furniture making, and carving – skills recognised as Hong Kong Intangible Cultural Heritage. Upon completion, participants become apprentices, gaining further experience as teaching and studio assistants, thus fulfilling the complete cycle of our ‘Holistic Education’ philosophy.

Funded by 

Related Links

• Kadoorie Earth Programme (KEP) is an initiative co-created by KFBG and its network of collaborators and volunteers. By integrating the various strands of KFBG’s nature conservation, sustainable living and holistic education programmes, it provides life-transforming learning experiences that reconnect people with themselves, each other and the rest of nature and enable them to cultivate resilience in the face of global challenges.

• Nature Art Programmes: Immerse yourself in silent contemplation of nature. Deepen your awareness of beauty and connect with nature through art. KFBG organises a variety of art workshops including Zentangle drawing, sketching and wood art, and exhibitions to guide participants, with or without artistic background, to create nature art.

• Nature Education Programmes: Become animal detectives and explore the mysteries of wild animals. Use different sense to discover the beauty of plants. Learn about the significance of forest, trees and even soils through field visits, experiments and woodwork, to reconnect with nature.

• Group Guided Tours: Led by trained environmental interpreters, the content includes experiential and hands-on activities. We encourage a passion for nature, conservation and ecology by nurturing an appreciation of the natural world.
  
  
• Corporate Programmes: Our Holistic Education Department staff can design either half-day or full-day nature education and art programmes for corporate staff or their family members based on specific needs. Leveraging the unique natural landscape and cultural ambiance of Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, our activities may include guided tours, farm-to-table experiences, nature-based workshops, talks and art activities, aiming to promote understanding and practice of sustainable living for organisations.