Check out these articles
-
Video article 5:06
Enjoy a Moment of Healing With the Fantastic Lights of Gifu Paper Lanterns from Gifu Prefecture! The Soft Glow of These Lanterns, Handcrafted by Skilled Artisans, Is Popular All Over the World!
Traditional Crafts- 307 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 5:36
A Close Look at the Raden Craftsmen Who Preserve the Traditional Japanese Craft of Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture. Made of Brightly Colored Seashells, They're Truly Works of Art!
Traditional Crafts- 114 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:45
Learn about the splendid craftsmanship of Yamanaka Lacquer Ware, a traditional handicraft of Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture. Enjoy the video showing the precious production process, which is all done by hand!
Traditional Crafts- 199 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 4:48
It Takes Time and Advanced Skills To Make Edo Sashimono, a Traditional Furniture of Tokyo That Uses 0 Nails! One Woman, Fascinated by the Traditional Techniques of the Edo Period, Passes on the Essence of Edo to the Modern World
Traditional Crafts- 330 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 4:00
Yamagata Casting Is an Essential Part of Japan's Tea Ceremony Culture. A Quick Look at the Traditional Craft of Yamagata City, Yamagata and How It's Made!
Traditional Crafts- 204 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 6:36
A Look Inside the World of an Embroiderer Who Revives Memories With His Craftsmanship. A Traditional Japanese Craft Where the Craftsman's Heart and Soul Goes Into Every Single Stitch!
Traditional Crafts- 188 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 4:24
Kyo Sashimono - A Traditional Craft in Kyoto That Has Been Passed Down Since the Heian Period. A Rare Glimpse Into the Making of a Craft That Makes for a Great Souvenir!
Traditional Crafts- 164 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 4:42
Introducing the Outstanding Craftsmanship of Tokyo Some-Komon! The Delicate Designs of These Kimono and Obi Are Carefully Handmade by Artisans
Traditional Crafts- 480 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:31
The Appeal of Kumano Brushes, a Traditional Craft of Kumano, Hiroshima That Even Top Make-up Artists Are Paying Attention to! Get a Taste of Japan's Brush Culture, Which Has Been Growing in Popularity Since the Edo Period!
Traditional Crafts- 83 plays
- YouTube
Learn About the Spirit of Craftsmanship of Buddhist Altar Lacquerers of Takaoka Butsudan, A Traditional Craft of Takaoka, Toyama! These Beautiful Lacquer Techniques Aren't Mastered Overnight!
Video Introduction of "Butsudan Lacquer," a traditional craftsman of Takaoka Butsudan in Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture
This video, titled "The Journey to Becoming a Buddhist Altar Lacquerer/ Kyoden Buddhist Altar Workshop" (仏壇塗師になる旅 / 京田仏壇店工房), was uploaded by "Nippon Teshigoto Zukan."
It introduces "Kyoden Butsudan-ten Koubo," a workshop that manufactures and sells traditional Takaoka Buddhist altars and restores gold foil.
From 0:30 in the video, you can see Mitsuhiro Kyoden, a Buddhist altar lacquerer or "nuri-shi" in Japanese.
This 5-minute video is perfect for people who want to learn about Buddhist altar lacquerers and the craftmanship behind them.
In this article, we'll go over his techniques and preferences along the video.
The History of Takaoka Butsudan and Buddhist Altar Lacquerers
Takaoka Butsudan has a long history dating back to the Edo period (1603-1868) in Takaoka, Toyama.
Takaoka Butsudan creates Buddhist altars that must be assembled and they use a large amount of gold leaf.
The lacquering techniques used for Buddhist altars was introduced from China along with Buddhism.
They're used for painting Buddhist statues, gluing arrowheads, and preventing rust on armor.
Mitsuhiro Kyoden, the Buddhist Altar Lacquerer in the Video
The video introduces the craftsmanship of Mitsuhiro Kyoden, a Buddhist altar lacquerer who paints both wood and lacquer, which are important processes in the production of Buddhist altars.
He explains the process from 2:18 in the video.
Lacquer is adjusted based on the weather forecast, and then checked on the next day to make further adjustments before applying the final coat.
This process is important in creating the best possible work.
It's important to keep adjusting the lacquer to the weather conditions each day.
If this process is not done properly, brush marks remain on the final product and the polishing process will take longer.
There is no textbook on how these processes are done, so the only way to learn is by trial and error and by learning from your mistakes.
Mitsuhiro learned the theory of lacquering at university, and when actually doing it, he thinks back on what his teacher taught him thinking things like "so that's what they meant," etc.
He passionately says that as a craftsman, he has to challenge himself and keep trying to improve.
Summary of Japan's Buddhist Altar Lacquerers
In this video, you can see the spirit of craftmanship of a Takaoka Butsudan altar lacquerer.
A well-built Buddhist altar can be passed down for generations if properly maintained.
In this five and a half minute video, you can learn about traditional Japanese crafts and how they're preserved through the hard work of the craftsmen who inherit them.
If you're interested in traditional Japanese crafts, be sure to check it out!
AccessMap (Google Maps)
-
Video article 14:51
Kakejiku - Traditional Japanese Hanging Scroll Art
Traditional Crafts Art & Architecture History- 307 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 4:55
The Beautiful Sound of the Koto: Hear the Entrancing Tones, Born of the Craftsmanship of Master Artisans
Traditional Crafts History- 936 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 4:18
Beppu Bamboo Crafts: A Look at the History and Characteristics of the Traditional Japanese Craft From Oita Prefecture. Enjoy the Skilled Techniques of These Bamboo Weaving Artisans!
Traditional Crafts- 389 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 4:04
Chasen: Introducing the Characteristics and History of the Takayama Tea Whisk – A 500-Year-Old Utensil Essential for Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony
Traditional Crafts History- 399 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:09
Rare video showing the working process of Takaoka Bronzes, a traditional craft of Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture. 400 year old crafts are popular as works of art and fine arts in the world.
Traditional Crafts Art & Architecture History- 700 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:26
The “Iga braid” in Iga City, Mie Prefecture, has been the talk of the town since the popular animated film Iga Kumihimo” in Iga City, Mie Prefecture, which became the talk of the town after the popular animated film ”Kimi no na wa. The intricately hand-woven designs are truly works of art! The valuable work process is also introduced in the video.
Traditional Crafts- 493 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 2:35
Aizu Paper Mache Akabeko - With Its Impressive Bright Red Coloring, This 400-Year-Old Folk Art of Aizu, Fukushima Is a Craft That Clearly Shows the Craftsman's Attention To Detail
Traditional Crafts Celebrities- 576 plays
- Vimeo
-
Video article 1:32
Arita Ware: A Traditional Japanese Craft of Arita, Saga That Was Coveted by European Royalty and Aristocracy in the 17th Century. Older Than Even the World-Famous Meissen!
Traditional Crafts Celebrities History- 213 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 19:33
Glass beads left at Byodoin Temple in Kyoto were restored by Izumi Dragonfly Ball craftsmen in Izumi City, Osaka Prefecture! The brightly colored dragonfly beads are a “universe in glass!
Traditional Crafts- 304 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 6:09
The Japanese Fishing Rod Is a Delicate and Supple, Yet Strong Work of Art. A Look at "Sao Shosaku," a Company in Kawaguchi, Saitama That Continues to Make High-Quality, Traditional Japanese Fishing Rods
Traditional Crafts- 391 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 1:59
Kokeshi Dolls, With Their Cute Appearance and Expressions, Are Very Popular as Souvenirs and Collectibles Overseas! A Look at Kokeshi Craftsmen and Their Dedication to the Traditional Japanese Craft of Miyagi Prefecture
Traditional Crafts- 375 plays
- Vimeo
-
Video article 3:12
Koshu Inden - A Beautiful Craft Using Lacquered Deer Leather. Discover Japanese Culture and Craftsmanship With These Amazing Artisans in Kofu, Yamanashi!
Traditional Crafts History- 241 plays
- YouTube
Comment