Sotto | "Sotto," a Series of Buddhist Altar Fittings That Gently Blend into Daily Life
Sotto | The Sotto Series
A New Way to Connect with Loved Ones in a Changing Living Environment
Introducing Sotto: A New Generation of Buddhist Altar Fittings Designed for Modern Homes
We want to create a cherished space for remembering loved ones, even in a small home.―As lifestyles and living environments evolve towards urban settings, so too does the practice of remembrance. The new Sotto series offers a modular collection of Buddhist altar fittings, designed for easy, space-saving devotion, allowing for a personalized approach to prayer, even without a traditional altar.
Text by KAJII Makoto (OPENERS)
A New Form of Remembrance That Complements Modern Spaces
The Sotto series is presented by a long-established Buddhist altar maker in Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture, Japan's leading center for Buddhist altar production. Designed from the ground up for contemporary living, where space for large altars is often limited, these fittings blend seamlessly with both Japanese and Western-style interiors.
Whether placed in a spacious living area where the family gathers or a modest corner of a bedroom, these understated fittings provide a dedicated space for reflection, crafted from quality materials with gentle forms.
Pictuary: A Memorial Box and Photo Frame in One
Pictuary combines a memorial box for safeguarding cherished mementos with a photo frame. It's designed not only for ashes but also to hold personal items like rings or treasured keepsakes. A photograph of the departed can be placed in the slot on the wooden lid.
Price | Open Price (Estimated Retail Price: ¥10,000)
Size | W54×H53mm (sphere), W46×H50mm (cylinder)
Materials | Brass, Wood (Tabu, Maple)
Colors | Gold, Silver, Matte Black, Rose Gold
Chering: A Harmonious Set of the Three Essential Buddhist Altar Items
Chering elegantly integrates the three essential Buddhist altar items—incense burner, candle holder, and flower vase—into a design that subtly complements any living space. Typically, the ceramic vase nests within the metal holder, serving as a simple flower vase for a single bloom. For special occasions, the ceramic vase can be used separately, while the metal holder, functioning as both an incense and candle holder, accommodates incense sticks and candles.
Price | Open Price (Estimated Retail Price: ¥12,000)
Size | W90mm×H77mm
Materials | Brass, Ceramic
Colors | Gold, Silver, Black
Cherin: A Bell for Moments of Remembrance
Cherin is a bell designed to be rung when reflecting on a loved one. The set includes a bell stick that can be stored upright in a hole on the top, allowing for an elegant presentation and compact storage. Gently tapping the side near the opening with the bell stick produces a clear, resonant tone.
Price | Open Price (Estimated Retail Price: ¥10,000)
Size | W55×H129mm (including bell stick)
Materials | Brass, Wood (Cherry)
Colors | Gold, Silver, Black
Designed by Shin Okada of FLaPP Design Studio
Shin Okada of FLaPP Design Studio, who led the design, shares: "My work began with the question, 'How many times a year do we truly pause to remember our loved ones?' In today's world, where dedicated spaces for remembrance are becoming less common in daily life, I wanted to create something that could be closer, more naturally integrated into our lives. I hope the Sotto series encourages people to take a moment more often to connect with those they've lost, bringing them a little closer."
The Sotto series is crafted in Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture, a region with a rich history of metalworking, including casting, dating back to the Edo period. Since the mid-Edo period, copperware production has flourished, leading to the creation of everything from tea ceremony utensils and flower vases to temple bells and Buddhist statues. Even after 400 years, the tradition continues, with artisans upholding their craft.
Sotto
Tel. 0766-63-5000
info@sottoweb.jp
http://www.sottoweb.jp/