Kyo-butsugu is a general term for the tools used in Buddhist rites at temples and homes, including incense burners, candlesticks, flower vases (kebyo), Buddhist statues, and other ceremonial fittings — a comprehensive art form drawing together woodworking, lacquerwork, metalwork, dyeing and weaving, and other diverse techniques. Production of Buddhist fittings is said to have begun with the introduction of Buddhism in the 6th century, and in Kyoto it became fully established in the early 11th century when the Buddhist sculptor Jocho set up the "Shichijo Busho" workshop in Shichijo, marking over a thousand years of history since. Because the design and specifications of fittings differ by Buddhist sect, mass production is unsuited to this craft, and each piece is finished by hand under a division-of-labor system involving more than forty specialized trades. Today, roughly 70% of the fittings produced in Kyoto are for temple use, and Kyoto supplies much of the Buddhist fitting equipment used in temples nationwide. It became a Traditional Craft designated by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry in 1976.
Origin
Production of Buddhist fittings is said to have begun with the introduction of Buddhism in the 6th century, and in Kyoto full-scale production is presumed to have started around the 8th century. Following the era of Saicho and Kukai, who characterized Heian-period Buddhism, the Buddhist sculptor Jocho opened the "Shichijo Busho" workshop in Shichijo in the early 11th century, laying the foundation for Buddhist fitting production in Kyoto.
History
In the early Edo period, the shogunate's temple registration system made every household a parishioner of a temple, greatly increasing demand for both altars and altar fittings. Craftsmen skilled in metalwork, woodworking, and lacquerwork gathered, and a division-of-labor production system developed; in 1976 the craft was certified as the Traditional Craft "Kyo-butsugu" designated by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.
Features
Because styles and specifications differ by Buddhist sect, mass production is difficult, and this comprehensive art form covers several hundred types of products, from incense burners, candlesticks, and flower vases to Buddhist statues, made through the division of labor among more than forty specialized trades. It particularly excels in metalworking techniques such as ornamental fittings and casting, and enjoys high national acclaim in the field of temple fittings.
Techniques
Kazari-kanagu (ornamental metal fittings)
A technique for making the metal fittings that decorate Buddhist fittings. Base metal is carved with patterns and finished with plating or coloring to add brilliant decoration.
Casting
A technique in which molten metal is poured into a mold to form pieces such as incense burners and temple bells, producing the distinctively weighty texture of Buddhist fittings.
Materials Used
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Artisans & Workshops
田中伊雅佛具店
A long-established Kyo-butsugu shop said to have been founded around 885 during the Ninna era. It has carried on the craft for over a thousand years, centered on esoteric Buddhist fittings associated with Ninna-ji Temple.
Official site →大西法衣佛具店
A specialty shop for Buddhist vestments and fittings with its main store in Higashiyama Ward. It handles a wide range from priests' vestments to temple-use Buddhist fittings.
Official site →How to Buy
- 京都府仏具協同組合
- An association of businesses certified for the Kyo-butsudan and Kyo-butsugu Traditional Craft designations. It introduces member shops and technical exhibitions.Where to buy →PR
- 田中伊雅佛具店
- A specialty shop for esoteric Buddhist fittings located in Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto. It handles everything from full-scale fittings for temples to everyday Buddhist fittings.Where to buy →PR