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200th Anniversary
Series of TAKUMI(Craftsman)
Authentic traditional Butsudan of AKAZAWACHOYO are all handmade.
We choice high-grade gold leaf and make beautiful carved. You can get only one Butsudan of Lacquer and Gold leaf in the world.
We start to make Butsudan and decide the size of it after hearing from customer's demand.
Please feel free to contact us regarding to floor plan of the room and the location to be installed Butsudan.
Woodwork
The very first step of making a Buddhist altar, the wood, is made at a factory in Sayama City, Saitama Prefecture. Akazawa Choyo's Buddhist altars are made of solid wood and are characterized by making the most of the beautiful curves created by carving out the wood. This is a traditional construction method that uses proven skills and experience.
Casting
Metal Buddhist altar fittings, such as flower stands and lanterns, are manufactured by sand casting. Sand casting is a method in which metal is poured into a mold made of sand. After the poured metal solidifies, it is removed from the mold and the surface is polished to create beautiful curves. When the molten metal is poured into the mold, the temperature of the molten metal exceeds 1000°C, making the factory as hot as midsummer.
Forging
Forging bells is done by craftsmen in Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture. When making a bell, the first step is to make the shape of the bottom by beating a plate and rolling it. Next, the rolled copper plates are welded together and struck with a hammer to make the shape of the sides. The amount of striking is adjusted while checking the overall condition. Finally, the rolled edge is attached, and the whole thing is heated to adjust the shape.
Japanese lacquerware
The lacquerware is performed by artisans from the Kiso region of Shiojiri, Nagano Prefecture, which is famous for its Kiso lacquerware. A special brush is used for lacquering. After applying the lacquer to prevent the brush marks from appearing, the lacquer is dried while moisturizing in a large wooden shelf called a muro.
The key to drying the lacquer is to maintain the appropriate temperature and humidity in the room. Failure to do so will result in large uneven colors on the surface.
Gold Leaf
Gold leaf is approximately 1/10,000 mm thick. The extremely thin gold leaf is carefully pasted one by one.
The gold leaf is not only pasted on flat surfaces, but also on curved surfaces, uneven surfaces, sculptures, and other parts of the Buddhist altar.
The gold leaf pasted on Akazawa Choyo's Buddhist altars is specially coated to prevent deterioration and damage, and to maintain its beauty for many years to come.
TAKUMI Craftsman
Wood craftsman, Paint (lacquer) craftsman, Gold leaf craftsman, Metal fittings craftsman are one team of AKAZAWACHOYO.
We have 200th history and attitude to be innovative and creative always.
We have a commitment to invisible part and continue to strive for customer satisfaction.
