Ιερό - Ξύλο - 1950-1960 - Ένας Αρχαίος Ιαπωνικός Βούδας

Product Description

Antique Japanese Buddhist *Zushi* (Shrine): A Work of Buddhist Art Evoking the *Sanpo-son* or *Ittō Ryōson* Styles

This is an antique, atmospheric piece of Japanese Buddhist art featuring a traditional *zushi* (a small, door-equipped shrine) that houses small Buddhist figures—specifically, a central figure shaped like a pagoda or shrine flanked by seated figures.

A *zushi* is a small shrine with doors, originally crafted to house sacred Buddhist objects such as statues or sutras. Unlike ordinary storage boxes, some *zushi* feature structures modeled after miniature temple architecture, reflecting a long history within Japanese Buddhist culture.

Opening the double doors reveals a "triad" arrangement: a central figure (shaped like a pagoda or shrine) flanked by seated figures on the left and right.

This configuration is reminiscent of the *Ittō Ryōson* (One Pagoda and Two Honored Ones) or *Sanpo-son* (Three Treasures) styles associated with the Nichiren sect and devotion to the Lotus Sutra. However, based solely on photographs, it is impossible to definitively identify the specific names of the figures or the sect to which they belong.

The interior features a refined, black-lacquer-style finish accented with gold ornamentation; the patina and texture acquired over time create a striking visual impression.

The structure allows the doors to close, protecting the figures inside, suggesting the piece was used as a portable, miniature altar or shrine.

In Japanese Buddhist art, such *zushi* are valued not only as vessels for objects of worship but also as exquisite craftworks that integrate various traditional techniques—including woodworking, lacquerwork, gold leaf application, and wood carving.

The appeal of this piece lies in its nature as a unified work of traditional Japanese Buddhist art, where the shrine, the figures, the lacquerwork, and the gold ornamentation come together to create a harmonious whole.

Despite its compact size, it possesses a commanding presence, and the design—revealing the figures within only when the doors are opened—adds a distinctive, evocative touch. This piece will be of interest to collectors of Japanese art, Buddhist art, Buddhist statues, antique folk crafts, lacquerware, and Asian art.

Condition: As this is an antique item, it shows signs of age, including scratches, dirt, scuffs, peeling or discoloration of the gold leaf and paint, and other indications of use.

Please appreciate these characteristics as part of the unique patina acquired by an antique art object over a long period.
Please examine the posted photos carefully to assess the condition.

Size and Weight
Height: Approx. 24 cm
Width: Approx. 19 cm
Depth: Approx. 11 cm
Weight: Approx. 949 g
Origin: Japan