the kamidana is a series of household Shinto altars designed to look like an iPhone
Apple’s iPhone and iPad have undoubtedly become a global phenomenon, spawning sub-products and sub-industries all designed around the incredible reach these products have had. But the iPhone in particular has breached new, spiritual grounds in Japan. A Japanese woodworking company called moconoco has released a kamidana (a miniature household altar literally translated as “god-shelf”) in the shape of an iPhone.
the kamidana in comparison to an iPad and iPhone
Kamidana are found in most Japanese homes and the company is taking the design of their “kamidana shiro” very seriously. Each piece is hand made from domestically harvested Japanese cedar. And using a laser cutter the company has engraved on the surface an image of the famous Ise Shrine. The price, 25,500 yen, reflects the craftsmanship that goes into each altar. But it’s still cheaper than an iPhone or iPad. “We wanted to create a minimal design that would seamlessly incorporate itself into modern environments,” the company said.
the kamidana can be stood upright alone, or on a wooden pedestal
The lid slides open. It’s designed just large enough to hold the various scriptures and good luck charms that you get from Shinto shrines.
