raison d'être

“While contemplating the ideal form of a timeless butsudan, I considered the connection between our modern values and the butsudan as a traditional artifact. I particularly focused on the aspect of mourning - a sentiment shared across all beliefs, countries and time, whether it be for a fellow human or a companion animal. It’s something so fundamental and universal that isn’t limited to any traditional rite or religious structure. My vase pieces are an expression of sensuality with a touch of madness; embodying life and death. They can contain thoughts and prayers, along with objects/data belonging to the deceased. With a floral arrangement as a symbol of prayer for the spirit to rest in peace until their next life, the butsudan is complete.”

“The current butsudan market already shows a plethora of modern designs intended to adapt to today’s lifestyle. As I began to analyse what it actually meant "to pray," I also wanted to explore the possibilities of who, or what, these prayers are being dedicated to. The butsudan sits at a very close proximity to sentiments for the deceased. Originally, the butsudan was not intended as a place to simply place the mortuary tablet, but rather a space for prayer. Today, it is seen more as a space to pay respects to ancestors and loved ones who have passed. That is why I would like to see the butsudan culture continued as something more personal and private - a kind of special space.”

“Although the butsudan had not been a present feature in my current lifestyle, there was always one in my family's home. My grandmother would tell me to take my school prizes and graduation certificates onto the altar, and report to the ancestors whenever there was news to share with them. Time seemed to flow differently when I connected with ancestors of the past. A closed butsudan can blend into the home completely, but its doors open up to a whole new world. Wishing to recreate that doorway into the other side, I wanted to produce an altar that would connect us to another timeflow, and offer an opportunity to reflect upon ourselves. A butsudan can become a device that creates such an ephemeral moment in our daily lives.”

“The butsudan was a familiar feature in my childhood home. The world shown in its outline always fascinated me - from its intricate decor to its poignant structure. Ringing the bell and hearing its light, metallic sound as we knelt to pray was a mesmerising moment; that strange sensation as if a kind of space had opened up inside my heart - I would describe that experience now as momentary meditation. I think that special space within our hearts is where we receive our inspirations. More compact and simple variations are becoming the mainstream today, but I felt as an architect it was not my role to design such a butsudan and chose a completely different approach. That was what led me to create the phoenix statue.”

“The butsudan is designed to be a space to bring together those who are no longer with us and those who gather around it. From watching butsudan makers at work, I learned how it is essentially a collection of various industrial skills that has strongly inherited traditional Japanese craftsmanship. The quality of the workmanship is clearly noticeable in the finished product; a delicate wooden structure coated in lacquer and gold plating. The resulting design idea was a traditionally shaped pillar and roof combined with modern and minimalist gold plating. The design inherits tradition but can still be comfortably present in a modern home environment.”

“In designing an altar for companion animals, I decided to take a step back from the usual traditional, religious formats seen in altars designed for humans and went for a simpler approach; focusing on the essence of mourning and praying for those we love. Creating time for prayers and inner reflection doesn’t have to be restrained to particular religions or cultures. That is why I wanted to design a butsudan that could exist like an ornamental piece within a modern living space. Perhaps it could be our modern way of thinking to see the butsudan as a device to turn to in our daily lives to allow us to take time to observe our inner selves and tune into our minds.”