Consecrated Nichiren Buddhist Altar with Nichiren Shonin & Two Buddha Statues, Sutra Book and - Statue Træ - Japan

【Important notes】

・International buyers are responsible for any import duties, taxes, and charges not included in the item price or shipping cost. Please note that VAT paid to Catawiki is separate from and does not cover import duties or customs charges in your country. You may still be required to pay additional fees upon delivery, as determined by your local customs authorities.
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【Product details】

A finely crafted Nichiren Buddhist altar cabinet dated Showa 5 (1930), complete with its original eye-opening ceremony document and a small handwritten sutra book.

This black lacquer altar cabinet was consecrated on October 12, 1930, through an eye-opening ceremony—a Buddhist ritual that spiritually enshrines an image for worship. The original commemorative document and sutra help confirm the exact date and history of the piece.

The rounded exterior is finished in black lacquer and decorated with copper fittings carved with peony and arabesque motifs. The interior is coated with lacquer mixed with gold powder, giving it a rich gold tone.

The upper section represents the Nichiren Buddhist arrangement known as “One Stupa and Two Buddhas.” At the center is a pagoda tablet inscribed with “Namu Myoho Renge Kyo,” flanked by seated figures of Shakyamuni Buddha and Taho Nyorai (Many Treasures Buddha).

The lower section enshrines a carved wooden seated figure of Nichiren Shonin, founder of Nichiren Buddhism. His robe is decorated with kindei, a gold pigment made from gold leaf and animal glue.

The right door interior bears calligraphy including “Honmon Happin,” “Namu Myoho Renge Kyo,” and “eye-opening completed,” along with a priest’s signature. The left door records the donor’s name.

Included are the original red-stamped eye-opening document dated October 12, 1930, and a small handwritten folding sutra book. Though both show age and damage, they remain valuable historical materials.

A rare and atmospheric Nichiren devotional cabinet with clear dating and original documents.

Fair antique condition with age-related wear, including scratches, rubbing, lacquer loss, small chips, and patina to the metal fittings. The documents and sutra have tears, stains, and age deterioration, but much of the writing remains legible. Please see photos for details.

※Please be sure to read the【Important Notes】section below before purchasing.

Dimensions: approx. H 27.5 cm W 20 cm D 15.5 cm

・Please make sure to review all the provided information, description, and images before placing your bid. The items shown in the photos are what is included in the lot. If anything shown as included is missing upon delivery, please contact us immediately.
・Some display stands or other items in the photos may be photography props and are not included in the sale. Please read the description carefully to confirm what is included.
・We make every effort to accurately represent the product's colors and textures in our photos. However, due to differences in monitors and device displays, as well as photographic conditions, slight color variations between the photos and the actual product may occur. We ask for your understanding in advance.

Thank you for your interest, and happy bidding!