- Director: Yujiro Seki
- Country: Japan / USA
- Year: 2019
The magnificent 1400-year-old Buddhist wood-carving tradition is hanging on, barely, in a rapidly changing Japan. Struggling to preserve the craft are its practitioners, among them Master Koun Seki. Carving the Divine offers a close look at the artistry, intention, and dedication that goes into the craft, and follows Seki as he strives to preserve the craft for future generations. (Read a Tricycle interview with the director here.)
This film will be available to stream until 11:59 p.m. ET on Friday, December 29, 2023.
Learn more about the film here.
Photographs courtesy of Yujiro Seki
Yamada Butsuzo
Director Yujiro Seki
Yonezawa
Bisyamontenzou work by Koun Seki
Kikuchi
Jizo Carving
Konno
Goma
Director Yujiro Seki
Seki and Saito
Syakanyoraizou Work by Koun Seki
Yoshikawa
Yamabushi walking
Seki Senior and Aoki
Saito
Monks praying
Monk walking
Koun Bussho