Kamakura carving is a traditional craft in which the warmth of wood, intricate carvings, and the deep colors of lacquer are brought together harmoniously.. Influenced by the Song dynasty and used initially to make Buddhist altar implements, Kamakura woodcarving methods have been passed down for more than 800 years and have continued to evolve over time.. The goal is to remain true to tradition while creating products that are elegant and useful in contemporary life.