A New Era for Modern Spiritual Spaces: The Houshi Series
In a remarkable collaboration with renowned designer Shinichiro Ogata, ALTE Meister Co., a long-established manufacturer of Buddhist altars and accessories, has unveiled an innovative series called Houshi. This collection represents a fusion of traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics, inviting a harmonious integration into contemporary living environments.
The name
Houshi (縁) is derived from "yosuka", meaning a place of dependence and support. It symbolizes trust and connection, reflecting a yearning for a tangible object to rely on in daily life. The design aims to embody a source of comfort and sanctuary, providing a sense of belonging within the home.
Product Highlights
1. Tachi-Yosuga (立縁)
With a unique design that showcases a transparent backdrop, this cabinet creates an illusion of depth reminiscent of borrowed scenery (shakkei). Finished without paint, it allows the natural beauty of the wood to shine.
Price: ¥748,000 (Tax included)
Materials: Body - Paulownia; Inner box - Burmese teak; Inner box door - Iron; Altar - Burmese teak
Dimensions: Height 59.2 cm × Width 21 cm × Depth 15.5 cm
Notable Characteristics: High-quality Paulownia from Aizu features fine wood grain and a beautiful silvery hue. Burmese teak, known for its mixed patterns of black, brown, and yellow, becomes lustrous with polishing due to its high density.
2. Zayo-Yosuga (座縁)
This wall-mounted cabinet comes with sliding doors that open from both sides, showcasing the soft texture of Aizu's Paulownia wood.
Price: ¥528,000 (Tax included)
Materials: Body - Paulownia and Burmese teak; Door - Paulownia; Frame - Burmese teak and glass; Altar - Burmese teak
Dimensions: (When closed) Height 23.9 cm × Width 56 cm × Depth 13.5 cm (When open) Width approximately 90 cm.
3. Kake-Yosuga (掛縁)
This exquisite cabinet features a retractable steel frame topped with cloth, giving it a serene appearance. It comes with dedicated hooks for wall mounting.
Price: ¥209,000 (Tax included)
Materials: Frame - Steel; Shelves - Paulownia; Cloth - Hemp
Dimensions: Height varies from 110.2 cm to 156 cm × Width 20.5 cm × Depth 17.8 cm
4. Kei-Yosuga (携縁)
A compact, portable cabinet designed to store a main deity,水入れ (water holder), andリン (bell) in a small container, with the main deity capable of holding a small amount of ashes. It comes with a special drawstring bag.
Price: ¥198,000 (Tax included)
Materials: Body - Stripe Zelkova / Black Jujube; Outer cover's inner side - Platinum leaf finish; Water container - Lacquer finish; Bell - Brass; Outer bag - Hemp
Dimensions: (When assembled) Height 6.1 cm × Width 7 cm × Depth 7 cm.
About Shinichiro Ogata
Born in Nagasaki, Ogata founded SIMPLICITY in 1998, with a mission to create modern Japanese cultural experiences across diverse domains including food, tea, sweets, crafts, and design. His expansive portfolio includes renowned ventures such as HIGASHIYA and OGATA Paris, along with influential projects that merged design with architecture and products on a global scale. With a focus on contemporary culture, Ogata's influence is profound and widespread.
Experience the Houshi Series
The exquisite Houshi series will be exclusively showcased at the
Zushiya Ginza Main Store. Visitors are encouraged to explore these beautiful pieces in person.
Zushiya Ginza Main Store
Phone: 03-3538-5118
Address: 1F, B1 GINZA 105 Building, 1-4-4 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo, 104-0061
Access: 3 minutes on foot from JR "Yūrakuchō Station" Kyobashi Exit; 2 minutes from Tokyo Metro Yūrakuchō Line "Ginza 1-chome Station" Exit 5; 3 minutes from Tokyo Metro Ginza Line "Kyobashi Station" Exit 3.
Store Hours: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Closed: Tuesdays
Website: Zushiya
As the lines between spirituality and modern aesthetics blur, the Houshi series is set to redefine the role of tradition in today's homes.