Section 1: The work of the cabinet-maker (kijishi)

The first stage in butsudan production is making the wardrobe-like cabinet or body (kiji). This section talks about how to recognize the ‘sect’ of a butsudan by the shape and style of the kiji. It discusses types of chisels and carving tools used by the cabinet-maker (kijishi). Different kinds and cuts of wood, such as zelkova (keyaki) and cedar (hinoki), are explained, along with a description of traditional veneering (hagitsuke) techniques. Measuring, cutting and preparing the pieces are discussed. Finally the assembly processes are described in detail, since they show the kijishi’s skill to the full. Some attempt has also been made to portray the artisan’s personality and his ways of combating modernisation by attempting to strengthen peoples’ attitudes to traditional Japanese craft skills. Please see the table of contents at the beginning of this section for a comprehensive list of the topics included. Drawings and photos are used to help with understanding.