Hiroshima Butsudan (Hiroshima Buddhist Altars)

広島仏壇

hiroshima butsudan · 広島県

Hiroshima Butsudan are elaborately crafted Buddhist household altars made in Hiroshima Prefecture. Designated as a nationally recognized traditional craft, they are distinguished by their intricate wood carvings, lacquerwork, and lavish gold-leaf ornamentation.

Origin: 広島県
Category: 仏壇･仏具
Materials: Wood · Lacquer · Gold
Designation: Nat'l Traditional Craft

No. IHistory

The craft of Buddhist altar-making in Hiroshima traces its roots to the Edo period, when the castle town thrived under the protection of the Hiroshima…

No. IIMaterials

Wood Lacquer Gold Silver Copper

High-quality domestic timbers such as Japanese cypress (hinoki) and cedar (sugi) are used for the wooden framework, valued for their stability and wor…

No. IIITechniques

Hiroshima Butsudan are produced through a carefully organized division of labor involving specialists at every stage. Woodworkers (kidashi) construct…

No. IVClimate

Hiroshima's warm, humid climate has long supported the growth of quality timber and provided favorable conditions for lacquerwork. The relatively mild…

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