The history of candle #1

-1- outline of Japanese & western candles Candles are an essential tools for Christian and Buddhism religious services. These days, generally, also we are using western style candles which have string wick in Japan. Western style candle have possibility to be introduced to Japan by missionary in the Middle Ages (Christianity, Catholicism, was introduced to Japan at that period). However, Western style had gained popularity since Meiji period (from 1868). Japanese people had used Japanese style candles till that period. Candle were introduced to Japan from China along with Buddhism. At that time, at Europe and Asia, candles were beeswax which are made of honey. In Heian period (8th –...

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The History of Butsudan #3 Turning point and modern Butsudan

In Muromachi period (14th -16th century), Shoin-Zukuri (Zen cultural house) had taken a firm hold to Samurai culture. And they put Buddhism items on at Tokonoma of their house (See also The history of Butsudan #2). Then Butsudan got a turning point. Rennyo of Jodo Shinshu school appeared. Rennyo was Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-temple the 8th, he is the important person in Jodo Shinshu history. Rennyo had propagated Jodo Shinshu’s teachings actively, and he had recommended doing a religious service to followers everyday. For that reason, he had issued many “Rokuji Myogo (Namu Amida Butsu)”. According to records, Rennyo didn’t mention Butsudan. Followers who were given Rokuji Myogo from him had...

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The History of Butsudan #2 The model of Butsudan appeared

In Heian period (8th ? 12th century), Japanese Imperial culture reached its peak during period. At the same time, Mappou Shisou (one of eschatology) prevailed in the years. Noble clung to Buddhism, they built temples (Jibutsudo). The representative Jibutsudo is Byodo-in Houou-do. Byodo-in may be compared to the large Butsudan. Byodo-in Houou-do In the latter of Heian period, Hounen, Shinran, Dogen, Eisai and Nichiren are appeared, they put forward a new Buddhism (called Kamakura Buddhism). Buddhism changed from noble’s to common people’s. In Kamakura period (Samurai ruled Japan), many Samurai became a believer in Zen. For that reason, Zen culture had influenced Japanese culture strongly. The representative item, Ihai (spirit...

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The History of Butsudan #1 Introduction and Ancient years

Maybe you can’t understand about Butsudan if you’re not Buddhist. No, even if you’re Buddhist, maybe you can’t understand about it unless you’re Japanese Buddhist. Because Butsudan is special Buddhism item of Japanese Buddhism culture. Butsudan is the Buddhism wooden cabinet for Honzon (principal icon), Ihai (Dharma name tablet) and other tools (candle, burners, incense, orin bell)… Generally, Butsudan consist of high-class timber, Urushi lacquer and metal. Any materials are expensive, and it’s produced sophisticated works by 7 – 8 craftsmen. So, it’s not cheap item. Instead of expensive, Butsudan would stay approximate 100 years. This is Butsudan (it’s super high-class version). And normal type. Butsudan and inner temple are...

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Buddhism Statue Craftsman History (Japan) #5

The site is located at the cross of Shichijo st. and Takakura ave. You can see old-fashioned building. Shichijo Studio had been moved from here to Shijo-Karasuma during Muromachi period (14th – 16th century). So, this house is common house. Please don’t have behavior without thinking of anyone else. We can’t conclude that Jocho had lived there. According to the records, Kakujo who is son of Jocho had lived there. The explanation plate is saying that Jocho is the father of Buddhism statue craftsman. However Kojo (teacher of Jocho) is called the father of craftsman among the experts.

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Buddhism Statue Craftsman History (Japan) #4

#4 From Kamakura period (12th ? 14th century) to the present Even if Kei group had the golden age in Kamakura period, other group didn’t vanish completely. In the end of Kamakura period, Japan had got unstable, and the Imperial Court had been separated into two. The early 14th century, Japan had got stable again by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, Muromachi Bakufu the 3rd Shogun. And In group joined hands with new administrators, calm statues came back again. From the latter of Muromachi period to Sengoku period (Warring states period, 15th -16th century), realistic statues came back again. We have to know remarkable article during this period. That is craftsman Shukuin. He...

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Buddhism Statue Craftsman History (Japan) #3

#3 the golden age of Kei group (Kamakura period) In Heian period (8th ? 11th century), the center of Buddhism culture was Kyoto. Especially, Yen Group. They had produced statues from noble-class’ orders. On the other hand, one craftsman had gone to Nara. His name is Raijo. Unfortunately, the record of his actions have never remained, but we can find the record of Kocho who is grandson of Raijo. Kocho had the best pupul, Kokei. They had put all their energies into produce statue, because many statues and temples have disappeared by Genpei war between Taira clan and Minamoto clan at Nara. Their statues were rich in originality. At that...

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Buddhism Statue Craftsman History (Japan) #2

#2 Jocho & private studio years Talking of Buddhism statue of Heian period, we recall “Jocho style”. Jocho (son of Kojo) had built an era. His remarkable service is establishment of Yosegi method (not carving from one timber, join some wooden parts together). And he had turned it into a style of Japanese tastes. Generally, it’s admired that the hallmark of his works are gently, soft and aristocratic statue. A little come down in time, Chosei who is pupil of Jocho had had his studio at Kyoto Sanjo (called Sanjo Studio), and he had accepted many orders from noble-class. Chosei’s group is called Yen Group (because almost member had the...

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Buddhism Statue Craftsman History (Japan) #1

#1 From Buddhism introduction to Heian period In 6th century, Buddhism was introduced to Japan from Baekje (Korea). And the same time, Buddhism statue method was also brought. At that time, craftsm an who was from overseas (especially from China and Korea) took an important role(*1). It was the period that Japanese craftsmen learned the method as assisting them. In Nara period (8th century), the Governmental Buddhism statue studios were established. So, statues were produced by many Japanese craftsmen in Heian period (8th ? 12th century). But it was not in the habit of signing craftsman’s autograph to statue at that time. And we can’t know how they kept their...

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