【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. ・Shipping Details: Most items are shipped via Japan Post EMS (airmail). If you are in a hurry, we can arrange shipping via DHL or FedEx upon request for an additional fee. ・Damage and Issues: If you receive a damaged item, please contact us immediately. The damage must be reported to your local post office within 7 days of delivery, and promptly to us and Catawiki support. 【Product details】 This magnificent Buddhist altar cabinet houses a seated Happi Benzaiten 八臂弁才天 (Eight-Armed Benzaiten), flanked by a standing Bishamonten and one of the Fifteen Attendants of Benzaiten. The altar is adorned with intricate carvings, including a grand relief of a phoenix and peonies on the upper section, symbolizing divine protection, longevity, and prosperity. Eight-Armed Benzaiten is a unique form of Benzaiten in Japan’s syncretic Buddhist tradition, characterized by her eight arms holding various weapons, including a bow, arrow, sword, halberd, axe, long pestle, iron wheel, and a lasso. These weapons symbolize the battle against worldly desires and laziness, reinforcing her role as a deity who supports those who dedicate themselves to the pursuit of knowledge and the arts. Her robes are decorated with patterns painted using a mixture of gold powder and lacquer, while her pedestal and the intricate carvings of the altar cabinet are also painted with the same mixture. The roof of the altar is designed to be removable. Bishamonten standing on the right side is one of the Four Heavenly Kings in Buddhist tradition and is revered as a warrior deity. In Japan, he is also worshipped as one of the Seven Lucky Gods, believed to bestow blessings such as bountiful harvests, business prosperity, household safety, longevity, and success in life. The standing figure on the left side represents one of the Fifteen Attendants of Benzaiten, her devoted followers who accompany and assist her. The altar cabinet shows signs of aging, with wear, dust, and patina visible throughout. The decoration on Benzaiten’s abdomen has peeled, and some of her weapons, including the bow and spear, have breakages. Bishamonten’s hand and his spear have been repaired with adhesive. The metal fittings on the cabinet have developed patina, and one is detached. There are also small chips along the outer edges. Please refer to the images for details on the condition. Dimensions of Zushi: approx. H 63 cm W 42cm D 35cm ・Please make sure to review all the provided information and images before placing your bid. ・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!