Japanese architect makes gorgeous small altar with extremely high degree of restoration from wood

The shrine (かみだな) is a miniature altar that is found in many Japanese homes. On it are placed royal letters, water, wine or food for worship, and are changed regularly. The location needs to be where the family gathers, and the orientation must be facing east or It is south, located above the line of sight, but not at the entrance.

On the shrine, there will be a god body (an object provided for the god to stay in to receive worship), such as a small round mirror, stones, etc., while the household shrine usually worships the "godashi" purchased from the local shrine for blessing. It is said that the shrine will be built by carpenters in the shape of a shrine, but there are no established restrictions in Japan in this regard. There are many modern shrines, and many people even use shelves directly as shrines.

Sansha-zukuri shrine made by Shizuoka carpenters (to serve the three gods)

Modern shrine made by Shizuoka carpentry

Compared to the shrine whose presentation form is more restricted by the orientation and space, architect Naohiko Shimoda designed the "mini shrine" shrine high in the corner. The exquisiteness of the design and production is astonishing.

In fact, this is not the first time Shimoda Naohiko has designed a shrine. In 2018, he also made a shrine for residents in the "protrusion" at the corner, which was equally complex and exquisite.