About Kyo Butsudan (Kyoto Buddhist Altar)
Kyo Butsudan are Buddhist altars produced in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture. Said to have begun around the Nara period, they are known as the pinnacle of gold altars. Traditionally, multiple craftsmen specialize in different aspects—gold leaf, maki-e lacquer, lacquer finishing, and decorative metal fittings—to complete one altar. Characterized by rich gold leaf decoration and a solemn structure housing Buddhist statues and ornaments. Developed alongside demand from temples like Nishi-Honganji and Higashi-Honganji.
Techniques & Materials
Craft terms are shown in the original Japanese — these are proper names with no standard English equivalents.
Techniques
金箔押し蒔絵漆塗り錺金具（鋳造・彫金）宮殿造り
Materials
金箔天然漆木材（欅・檜）金属（真鍮・銅）
Where to see & buy
Workshop names are in Japanese; links go to their official sites.