I made the drawings for this altar many years ago based roughly on a centuries old Japanese altar at the Seattle Asian Art Museum. The original version had doors that would be closed when carrying it. Steve Parker, a fine woodworker in Portland, made this version of it with white aspen wood with a few revisions.
Here it is in Steve's shop, with removable carrying handle.
The drawer is made for a pressure f-f-fit.
A larger version in rustic alder.
A simple finger hole for a pull.
Rustic alder is a plentiful wood in the Northwest. It's grain is deepened and brought forth with Tung oil.
We look into the small cabin of a practitioner at the start of a long retreat.
In some Buddhist traditions, participants in long retreats will remain in a meditation box for their practices. On the small table they can lay out texts and implements. In this table I provided a shallow drawer.
Table with small drawer.
This is a paired down version of the altar shown in other images, this time in knotty pine and balanced on a small book case.
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Zen Center Altar & Other Altars
An altar for the Zen Center of Portland, Oregon. The base is made of Pacific Madrone and the main top and Buddha top are made from Willamette Valley Walnut, a beautifully figured wood. Both woods were sustainably harvested and purchased through Sustainable Northwest Woods in Portland. The calligraphy is an 'enso' done by Kaz Takahashi.
Other Buddhist altars for personal use follow in the portfolio.
