Hoozue: Indigenous Japanese Technique for Preservation of the Legacy Katsura Tree at Dumbarton Oaks

Abstract

The katsura tree at Dumbarton Oaks is among the oldest of the species in North America and pre-dates the design of the garden. Japanese master gardener Kurato Fujimoto was commissioned to inspect and lead the construction and installation of a series of branch supports, known as "hoozue" in Japan, to rejuvenate this venerable tree that was in decline. The assessment of the tree included the inspection of the branch structure with a projection toward post-installation growth over the next several decades. Materials such as rope, bark fabric, nails (kasugai), and the wooden hoozue themselves were fabricated and installed with indigenous knowledge and experience, which were described in the text and drawings and documented in a series of photographic sequences. This article narrates the process of this preservation work, demonstrating the significance of this indigenous Japanese technique.

● It studies an indigenous Japanese arboriculture technique that has time-tested success yet may be different from accepted practices

● It describes an entire installation process of Hoozue, which preserves and rejuvenates the aging katsura tree at Dumbarton Oaks that is one of the oldest of the species in North America

● The preservation work offers a model for the study of emerging branches of arboricultural research, indigenous cultural practices, plant humanities, etc.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

Hoozue / Branch Supports / Katsura Tree / Dumbarton Oaks / Indigenous Horticulture / Preservation / Horticulture

References

[1] Farrand, B., & Kavalier, J. (Ed.). (2022). Beatrix Farrand's Plant Book for Dumbarton Oaks (p. 63). Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection.

[2] Berrall, J. (1922). Topographical map of property belonging to Robert Woods Bliss, Esq., Washington, D.C. Dumbarton Oaks Garden Archives.

[3] Friedl, J. (2024, February 20). Conversation with Ron Henderson.

[4] Fujimoto, K., & Henderson, R. (Trans.). (2023). Katsura Orihon (Personal Inscription). Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection.

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