Yasumasa Yoshida

The wooden delights of Buddhist art

• Yasumasa is a busshi, sculptor and restorer of religious wooden statues
• His own spiritual devotion has guided his creations as an artisan
• His portfolio ranges from sacred beasts to statues of the Bodhisattva

In 1987, at the age of 14, Yasumasa Yoshida connected with his desire to make carving religious sculpture his profession. It was in front of a sculpture of the Buddha Sakyamuni that he was struck by the serenity emanating from this figure and that he decided to follow the path of wood sculptor. His passion has continued to grow ever since. Always guided by a strong spirituality and with a religious attitude towards life, Yasumasa has pursued a devoted path. He followed an apprenticeship in woodcarving, and then trained with the Master busshi Iwamatsu Jūbun. He later worked as a restorer, for the national treasures of the Kyoto Art Institute and then for Meikodo, a company specialising in the conservation of wooden objects. Like a sort of ikigai (sense of purpose), Yasumasa is guided by his passion for zen meditation, and the happiness he brings to those who admire the statues he makes.

Interview

©TamuraNoriko

©TamuraNoriko

What is special about your craft?

The busshi must have spirituality towards the gods and Buddhas he imagines, repairs, or creates. He is mandated to be the transmitter of the Buddhist culture and attitude. He is also a 'faithful' who takes refuge with the gods and Buddha.

What do you like most about your profession?

Transcending time, language, and physical space through Buddhist statues. In production, I am happiest in the meditative moments when I can be alone with the gods and Buddha in silence. In restoration, I find joy in observing ancient statues of Buddha made hundreds of years ago.

Is there something that people usually do not know about your work?

For some special occasions, tools and materials are ceremonially purified. For example, when the New Year arrives, we place the tools and materials on an altar and leave them with the gods and Buddha for prayer. This ceremony is for the smooth and safe completion of work.

Do you feel that the future of a busshi is in danger of decline?

In Japan the overall population of craftspeople is declining due to the falling birth rate, along with its shrines and temples. We are struggling to pass on the traditional techniques to future generations. However, as long as the world of mankind continues, the work of busshi will never disappear.

Yasumasa Yoshida is a master artisan: he began his career in 1987 and he started teaching in 2012

Works

©TadaChisei

©Tada Chisei

©Yoshida Yasumasa

©Yoshida Yasumasa

©Yoshida Yasumasa

Where