There have been many local manufactures in Japan. who use local materials
and the natural ingredients.
These arts and techniques have been passed down. from one generation to another.
Mikawa butsudan is one of that. Mikawa butsudan, a Buddhist altar, has
a long history extending back to the year of 1704.
However, these days, the production bases of the Buddhist altars are shifting
to China.
To protect fine Japanese tradition which has been comforting people more
than 300 years is now getting difficult.
In history, Buddhist alters have been used to worship family ancestors.
Buddhist statues, pictures and mortuary tables are set inside of the alters.
People sit in front of altars, pray to their ancestors and Buddha.
Those altars became comfort to their minds and defended them from unhappiness.
However, recent years, people's minds start keeping distance from alters.
One of the reasons is that people see alters as a symbol of the death.
A lot of people came to think that an altar is a place where the death
lives andit's a negative thought.
Kazuaki Tsuzuki started Artman Japan in late 2003 out of concern that the
shift of altar production to China
may lead the loss of Japanese fine tradition and he also wanted to change
a general negative image for Butsudan craftsmen.
He started acting with three other Butsudan Syokunin(Buddhist alter craftsmen)
who had the same thoughts.
All of their creations show the artistic side of Butsudan which are typified
with black lacquer on hinoki cypress and gold foil decoration.
Whatever shape they make, they use traditional butsudan-making techniques
in their creations.
It is Artman's policy.
Artman Group hopes that people will recognize the value of Japanese tradition
by having a fine artwork from them at home.
In the near future, we, as Artman Group, want to open a workshop, or culture
class in order to introduce our cultural heritage to many people.
This exhibition is our first step to make this dream comes true.
We think it is one BIG step.
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