These whimsical wooden automata are the creations of contemporary Japanese woodworker Kazuaki Harada. We’re particularly fond of the dancing ham and veggies. After first spending a year studying under English master automata-maker Matt Smith, Harada began crafting his own automatons in 2002. His playful pieces vary in both size and complexity, but all are operated by the turning of a single handle and are created in the spirit of simply delighting people. Why else would you create an automaton wearing nothing but socks, with the ability to boil a pot of tea on his own belly?
Visit Kazuaki Harada’s YouTube channel to check out many more of his marvelous wooden automatons in action. You can also follow him on Instagram and check out pieces he has for sale via his online shop.
[via Spoon & Tamago]