[Inami Sculpture and Kumodana]
Kokokashiko's Kumodana, a wood carving in the shape of a cloud, is one of our most popular products and is often asked, “What is this?" The carving is done with a chisel, without using any file, but the surface has the luster of wood as it is, and is very smooth to the touch. Since it is made of camphorwood, just by placing it on the table, it gives off a pleasant aroma.
Clouds have been used in Japanese art since ancient times to represent sacred objects and as auspicious symbols. The shape of the clouds on the cloud shelf reminds me of the lovely figure of Unchu Kuyo Bosatsu at Byodoin Temple, and in fact, the design was inspired by Unchu Kuyo Bosatsu. I will leave the explanation of what this mysterious cloud shelf is used for for a moment, but please bear with me for a moment on the history of the carving technique and the craftsman who created it.
Kumodana is made by several craftsmen involved in Inami sculpture, which has been cultivated in Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture, since the Edo period. The history of Inami sculpture dates back to the Edo period, but its birth is deeply related to the construction of the Zuisenji Temple in 1390, a much older temple. This temple was built in Iba as a branch temple of the Otani sect of Shinshu Buddhism, but it has been repeatedly burned down and rebuilt due to the “Inami wind,” a south wind that blows in this area. When the main hall was rebuilt in the mid-Edo period, an official sculptor named Sanshiro Maekawa was sent from Kyoto to carve the main hall. Local carpenters also participated in the reconstruction, and they apprenticed themselves to Sanshiro Maekawa and learned the techniques of sculpture, which marked the beginning of Inami sculpture. Since then, the entire area has developed into a town of Inami sculptors, who have carved temples and shrines all over the country. The “Shishi no Kootoshi” carved in 1792 on the Imperial Gate of Zuisenji Temple is regarded as a masterpiece in the history of Japanese sculpture. The “Unsui Ippiki Ryu” (dragon with water in the clouds) on the gate of Zuisenji Temple by Sanshiro Maekawa, the founder of Iba sculpture, is so vivid that legend has it that during a great fire, the dragon broke free and blew water to save the gate from being burned down.
The art of Inami sculpture has been refined by the spirit of prayer to the gods and Buddha. In recent years, the technique has been widely used not only for temples and shrines but also for interior decoration and carving of private houses. The high level of skill and artistry rooted in the local community is recognized throughout Japan, and even today, carvings can be seen everywhere in the Zuisenji temple gate area, and the sound of craftsmen carving wood can be heard echoing through the streets.
Now, this “Kumodana” is for those who would like to enshrine the ofuda received at shrines but find it a bit difficult to put up a kamidana (Shinto altar)... Kumodana is a wall-mounted Shinto altar born from the idea of accommodating such prayers in modern life. It has magnets on the back and can be fixed to the wall with thumbtacks. When enshrining the ofuda, it is said that the gods are pleased if it is placed in a “comfortable place for human beings” that is higher than the eye level of people and has good sunlight and ventilation. The solid shape carved with a chisel and the fragrance of camphorwood make a space look sharp and clean.
Since each piece is made by several craftsmen who have inherited the tradition of Inami carving, each piece has a slightly different expression. We hope you will enjoy the individuality of each cloud.
Kokokashiko's Kumodana
https://www.shokunin.com/en/kokokashiko/
References
https://japan-heritage.bunka.go.jp/ja/stories/story059/
https://www.mizu.gr.jp/kikanshi/no56/05.html