Carving the Buddha—the same way—for 1,400 years

TRYCICLE
By Lakshmi Gandhi
Bushi sculpt a figure in the documentary "Carving the Divine."
To view a statue carved by the Būshi—a community of Japanese sculptors who create intricate wooden replicas of Buddhas and bodhisattvas—is to view a style of sculpture that has been virtually unchanged for nearly 1,400 years. In Yujiro Seki’s new documentary "Carving the Divine," viewers get an inside look at how the Būshi have passed on their meticulous carving techniques from generation to generation. The film introduces us to Master Koun Seki, who has devoted his life to his craft while also running a school for apprentices and other emerging artists. Watching Master Seki interact with his pupils, viewers quickly learn that the craft requires immense dedication. Tricycle spoke with Yujiro Seki about this ancient art form and its preservation. [More]
Director Yujiro Seki