About Tokyo Butsudan (Tokyo Buddhist Altar)
Tokyo Butsudan are Buddhist altars produced mainly in Taito Ward, Tokyo. Developed from the mid-Edo period as an altar industry responding to the urban demand of Edo. As an urban altar industry responding to orders from throughout Japan, it is characterized by producing diverse styles including gold altars, karaki altars, and furniture-style altars. Centered on Taito Ward where craftsmen and wholesalers are concentrated, it has functioned as a supply hub for altars fusing tradition and modern design.
Techniques & Materials
Craft terms are shown in the original Japanese — these are proper names with no standard English equivalents.
Techniques
木地加工金箔押し漆塗り唐木仕上げ
Materials
木材（欅・檜・唐木）金箔天然漆
Where to see & buy
Workshop names are in Japanese; links go to their official sites.
- 東京仏壇仏具組合（産地にご確認ください）