Kanazawa Buddhist Altars

There are three Buddhist altar production areas in Ishikawa Prefecture: Nanao, Kanazawa and Mikawa. It is very unusual for a prefecture to have as many as three production areas. It is thought that the reasons for this are the influence of the missionary work of Rennyo Shonin, the 8th generation head of Honganji Temple of the Jodo Shinshu sect in the Hokuriku area, and the fact that conditions were good for the manufacture of Buddhist altars. Please enjoy learning about the characteristics of the three production areas, as well as one aspect of Ishikawa, a prefecture renowned for crafts and the Shinshu Buddhist sect.

Nanao Buddhist Altars

It is surmised that Nanao Buddhist altars started being produced around the middle of the 17th century. The oldest existing Buddhist altar was made in the middle of the Edo period (1716~1736). The strength of religious beliefs in the Noto area and a strong tradition of festivals were important factors in the development of Nanao Buddhist altars.

Mikawa Buddhist Altars

Also referred to as "makie Buddhist altars", Kanazawa Buddhist altars, with their abundant use of gold leaf and gold lacquer techniques, are characterized by a high degree of artistic quality. Historically, these altars developed from the makie technique used in the Kaga clan's workshop. It can be said that the soil that produced the traditional crafts of the wealthy province of Kaga also fostered the development of Kanazawa Buddhist altars.