Nagoya Butsudan is the general term for Buddhist altars developed in and around Nagoya City, characterized by a raised base structure known as 'makuri' and, representatively, by the lavishly decorated miya-den style known as 'kuden-gobo-zukuri.' The raised base is said to reflect the wisdom of daily life, protecting the altar from flooding by the Kiso Three Rivers. Its origins are said to trace back to 1695 (Genroku 8), when Takagi Niemon founded the Buddhist altar specialty shop 'Hiroya.' Since then, a single altar has been built through the division of labor among specialized craftsmen known as the 'eight trades' -- kijishi (woodworkers), shogonshi (ornamentation specialists), chokokushi (carvers), kazarikanagushi (metal fitting makers), nushishi (lacquerers), makieshi (maki-e artists), hakuokishi (gold leaf appliers), and shikumishi (assemblers). High-grade woods such as zelkova, cypress, and sandalwood are used, and skilled techniques are applied at every stage, from the wood base to lacquering, gold leafing, and maki-e. It was designated a Traditional Craft (designated by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry) in 1976.
Origin
Nagoya Butsudan is said to have begun in 1695 (Genroku 8), when Takagi Niemon founded the Buddhist altar specialty shop 'Hiroya' in the area. Against the backdrop of Owari's castle town, which had gathered woodworking, lacquerware, and metalworking craftsmen, Buddhist altar making developed into a specialized industry.
History
From the Edo period through the Meiji era, a division-of-labor system took hold among specialized craftsmen known as the 'eight trades' -- kijishi, shogonshi, chokokushi, kazarikanagushi, nushishi, makieshi, hakuokishi, and shikumishi -- establishing a production structure that required the hands of many craftsmen to complete a single altar. In recognition of this accumulated skill, it was designated a Traditional Craft (designated by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry) in 1976.
Features
The altars feature a raised base structure known as 'makuri,' said to reflect the wisdom of daily life in protecting the altar from flooding by the Kiso Three Rivers. A hallmark design is the lavishly decorated miya-den style known as 'kuden-gobo-zukuri,' using high-grade woods such as zelkova, cypress, and sandalwood. Through the division of labor among the eight specialized trades, consistently high quality is maintained from the wood base through lacquering, maki-e, and gold leafing.
Techniques
Division of labor among the eight trades
Nagoya Butsudan is made through the division of labor among specialized craftsmen known as the 'eight trades' -- kijishi, shogonshi, chokokushi, kazarikanagushi, nushishi, makieshi, hakuokishi, and shikumishi. In practice, tenjoshi (ceiling specialists) and roiroshi (lacquer polishers) are also involved, meaning many craftsmen's hands go into completing a single altar.
Materials Used
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Artisans & Workshops
株式会社菱田屋
A long-established Nagoya Butsudan maker founded in 1936 (Showa 11). Its main store in Nagoya displays 141 altars ranging from traditional to modern designs, and also carries a wide selection of memorial tablets and Buddhist statues.
Official site →How to Buy
- 菱田屋 名古屋本店
- A long-established Buddhist altar shop in Monzen-cho, Naka Ward, Nagoya City. It displays 141 altars, from traditional Nagoya Butsudan to modern designs, with specialist staff available for advice on choosing one.Where to buy →PR
FAQ
Q. How many craftsmen exactly does the term 'eight trades' refer to?
A. The specialized craftsmen involved in making Nagoya Butsudan are collectively known as the 'eight trades,' centered on eight types: kijishi, shogonshi, chokokushi, kazarikanagushi, nushishi, makieshi, hakuokishi, and shikumishi. In practice, however, tenjoshi and roiroshi are also involved, meaning more than ten craftsmen take part in completing a single altar.