Yamagata Butsudan

Historical Background

Yamagata Butsudan are a type of Buddhist alter originating in the Yamagata Prefecture just north west of Sendai. The origins date back to the Kyoho era (1724-1777) of the Edo Period when Hoshino Kichibei returned home after having an apprenticeship under the Edo carver Goto Moemon. The Yamagata area was already a well known producer of laquer, thanks to an abundance of high quality laquer sap from the nearby mountains. Hoshino's second son, Kichibei Hirotaka, gathered these local lacquerers, as well as lacquerware and metal artisans, in order to begin making and selling Buddhist alters. 

In addition to the already prosperous area for craftsmen, Yamagata had a development and established shipping system on the Mogami River. This allowed the craftmanship, including these Buddhist alters, to be easily transported as well as allowing for the intake of techniques and knowledge from the Kansai region. 

As the popularity and increase in production of these Buddhist alters increased, the process of making them was industrialized during the Meiji Revolution (1868-1912) around 1895. This broke the process down into seven steps: Kiji (wooden base), Ku-den (sanctuary), Chokoku (carving), Kanagu (metal working), Nuri (lacquering), Haku-oshi (gilding), and Shikumi (assembly). This process is the one still being used in modern day, though it uses techniques from over 25o years ago in it's assembly. Unlike other Buddhist alters, like the "Karaki Buddhist alters" which ceased the use of gold leaf, Yamagata Bustudan have continued with the Japanese tradition to this day. 

Characteristics and Production

Yamagata Buddhist alters are most well known for their intricate designs and excellent craftsmanship. The alters are made of generally either Zelkova or Japanese Ash wood, with lacquer used to bring out the grain and add a warm tone to the wood. The Ku-den, the inner part of the alter, is inlaid with extravagant and intricate arabesque patterns This specific style of craft was designated as a National Traditional Arts Craft in the 1980's by the Japanese government.

In each of the seven steps, which will be reintroduced below, expert craftsmen used their skills to help bring the alter to life. 

The first step, Kiji, involves preparing the wood and putting together the wooden base of the alter. This process alone can take at least a month, from a creation of the pieces, the drying of the wood, to finally putting the base together. The alters are made using the Hozo-kumi technique, a traditional way of connecting pieces of wood without the use of nails. However, in this step, the outer part of the alter is only temporarily assembled. 

Next, comes Ku-den, which is the creation of the sanctuary, or palace, that resides inside the alter. This sanctuary can be made out of Larch, Hiba, Hornbeam; soft woods that are easy to carve. This is an intricate and technical process, as the thickness of the gold leaf, applied later, needs to be taken into account while carving. Each piece of the sanctuary is carved and then assembled together. 

The third step, Chokoku, involves the carving of sculptures for other sections in the alter, like the banners, transoms, and pillars. Like the palace, each piece is carved independently before being placed together. These are made out of soft woods as well to allow the intricate details in each sculpture.

Kanagu, the next step, is the creation of the metal fittings on the alter. The designs of the butsudan are transferred onto a brass plate, where a craftsmen will then use a wide variety of chisels to carve out subtle designs. After the designs are chiseled in, the fittings are then plated in either black or gold.

The fifth step, Nuri, is a two month long process where lacquer is repeatedly applies to the wood base and carvings. Unlike other golden Buddhist alter, which use black lacquer, Yamagata alters use a lacquering process called "wood grain dashi" is used that allows the natural grain of the wood to be seen. Once the lacquering is finally completed a top coat is finally applied. 

Maki-e, the second step, involves applying more coats of lacquer on top of the previously applies layers. This coat is applied in a design, and while still wet, gold or silver powder is sprinkled into the design. 

The final step, Shikumi, is where gold foiling and then final assembly takes place. Gold foil is gently applied over the different parts of the alter. Once the foiling is done, the entire piece is finally assembled and ready to be sold. 

Where to purchase

Open since 1998, the Memorial Buddhist Alter Yamagata Store hosts the largest selection in the Yamagata Prefecture, with over 150 alters being on display. 

Location:

1 Chome-2-3 Aratatecho, Yamagata, 990-2432 

Phone Number:

023-632-1008