Introduction of Hiroshima Buddhist Altars
The Hiroshima Buddhist altar, known as Hiroshima Butsudan, is one of Japan’s most exquisite examples of traditional craftsmanship. Rooted in centuries of Buddhist devotion, these golden altars are primarily associated with the Jōdo Shinshū (True Pure Land) sect, which has been deeply embraced in the Hiroshima region. Since the 17th century, Hiroshima has been a hub of both faith and artistry, where skilled artisans combined religious significance with aesthetic mastery. Recognized in 1978 by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry as a Traditional Craft, Hiroshima Buddhist altars embody not only spiritual reverence but also the history, resilience, and artistry of the region. For over 100 years, workshops have continued to produce these altars with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that each one is not merely a household item but a sacred link between families and their faith.
What makes Hiroshima Buddhist altars truly unique is the combination of advanced lacquer techniques, intricate gold ornamentation, and region-specific materials. Artisans employ the “tate-nuri” technique, a vertical lacquering method so refined that lacquerers from across Japan have historically traveled to Hiroshima to study it. The base uses “gofun-shitaji,” a foundation made from crushed oyster shells sourced from Hiroshima’s abundant oyster industry, giving the altar its distinctive strength and smoothness. Inside, altars are decorated with delicate carvings depicting scenes from the life of Shinran Shonin (the founder of Jōdo Shinshū), while the surface gleams with gold leaf applied through precise, time-honored techniques. Together, these elements produce altars of exceptional beauty, spiritual symbolism, and enduring cultural value.
Geographical Feature
City & Prefecture: Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture
Population: approx. 1.18 million (as of 2025)
Special Products: Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, oysters, maple-leaf-shaped momiji manju sweets, sake
City Introduction:
Hiroshima City, located in western Japan, is both a place of history and rebirth. Known worldwide as a city of peace, it has transformed into a vibrant cultural and economic hub. Beyond its memorials and modern industries, Hiroshima thrives with culinary traditions like okonomiyaki and oysters, and centuries-old crafts such as Buddhist altar making. This blend of resilience, faith, and artistry defines Hiroshima’s unique identity.
History of Hiroshima Buddhist Altars
Seeds of Faith and Craft
The roots of Hiroshima Buddhist altars can be traced back to the early 1600s, when disciples of Shinran Shonin spread Jōdo Shinshū teachings in the area. Under the protection of the Mōri clan, the faith spread rapidly, creating demand for altars. In 1619, when Lord Asano Nagaakira relocated to Hiroshima from Kishu, he brought with him artisans skilled in lacquer and decorative techniques. Their arrival marked the beginning of a flourishing altar-making tradition.
Fusion of Techniques and Expansion
In 1716, a monk named Tonkō returned from Kyoto and Osaka, bringing with him advanced techniques in altar and ritual implement making. By the late Edo period, Hiroshima had become a gathering point for lacquerers, metalworkers, and woodcarvers. These craftspeople, initially serving samurai households, began applying their expertise to create elaborate Buddhist altars. The integration of skills such as scabbard lacquering and ornamental metal fitting elevated Hiroshima Butsudan into works of both art and devotion.
Resilience Through Adversity
During the Meiji era, Hiroshima altars reached new heights of demand, shipped across Japan via Seto Inland Sea routes. By the Taisho period, Hiroshima led the nation in production volume. However, wartime devastation and the atomic bombing drastically reduced both artisans and demand. Yet, surviving craftsmen revived the tradition, ensuring its transmission to future generations. In 1978, Hiroshima Buddhist altars were formally designated as a Traditional Craft, solidifying their cultural importance.
Feature of Hiroshima Buddhist Altars
Golden Splendor of the Pure Land
A defining feature of Hiroshima Buddhist altars is their opulent use of gold leaf, symbolizing the brilliance of the Pure Land paradise. Artisans meticulously apply thin sheets of gold to create a luminous effect that glows even in dimly lit rooms. Inside, delicate carvings illustrate the life of Shinran Shonin and stories of Buddhist transmission, serving both decorative and didactic purposes. Each altar embodies a balance of grandeur and spirituality, reflecting the deep religious significance behind its creation.
Mastery of Lacquer and Oyster Shell Foundations
Another hallmark lies in Hiroshima’s specialized lacquering. The “tate-nuri” technique produces an exceptionally smooth, glossy finish, achieved through countless layers of hand-applied lacquer. Beneath this, the unique gofun-shitaji foundation, made from pulverized oyster shells, ensures durability and beauty. This material not only strengthens the altar but also connects it symbolically to Hiroshima’s natural environment. Such techniques are so advanced that lacquer artisans from other regions historically visited Hiroshima to learn from local masters, attesting to the craft’s prestige.
Modern Applications
Today, Hiroshima Buddhist altars continue to hold spiritual importance in temples and households, especially among Jōdo Shinshū practitioners. While modern lifestyles have reduced daily use, these altars remain symbols of family heritage and cultural pride. Contemporary artisans also adapt their techniques to create smaller, lifestyle-friendly altars and lacquerware items, ensuring that traditional craftsmanship remains relevant in today’s society while preserving the timeless artistry for future generations.
