A beautiful original large Buddhist temple sitting lantern called Koshi Tsuridoro. These lanterns are placed in front of the entrance to the temple itself. The verdigris copper and wood construction is decorated with 8 panels of scrolling arabesque designs of lotuses. The front pair panels are hinged and they are secured with a lock and sliding flat pin.The diminutive transom panels of swirling cloud cut-outs sets the square domed roof on 4 piers...

Antique Japanese figure of the seated Amida Nyoria (Amitaba) Lord Buddha. He is seated on a lotus throne, his hands in his lap in Dhyan Mudra (meditation). Carved of wood with gilt lacquer and traces of pigments on the lotos throne. His hair atop his subtle ushnisha is arranged in sweeping striations instead of the tight curls more commonly seen...

Antique Japanese standing figure of Bishamonten, chief of the Four Heavenly Kings (Shitenno) and protectors of Buddhism. He is the distributor of treasures and wealth, protector of warriors, healer of illnesses and guardian of the north. Dressed for war, he stands on the back of an evil spirit. He holds a Buddhist staff in his right hand and a small pagoda representing the divine treasure house in his left hand. Made of lacquered and gilded wood...

An antique Japanese bronze temple bell known as a Bonsho with a carrying handle depicting diverging dragon heads called Ryuzu. The upper protrusions called chi chi or nye improves the resonance of sound. There are two opposing striking panels called Tsuki-za upon which the bell should be struck for the best and longest sound. Large bells such as this one are found in Buddhist temples throughout Japan and they are used to summon the monks to prayer...

Japanese antique small Buddhist zushi shrine in the form of a lotus blossom enclosing a tiny figure of Buddha Amitābha. Also known simply as Amida Buddha, he stands on a lotus blossom, floating on swirling clouds. His hands are in vitarka mudra, also known as Raikō gesture of welcoming souls to Paradise (Jōdō or Sukhavati in Sanskrit). Amitābha (which means Infinite or Immeasurable light) is much loved for his gentle wisdom and his all accepting nature...

Very rare antique Japanese cross and Buddha made of cast iron. Extremely unusual as most pieces at this time where in bronze. This is a secret object of the Kakure Kirishitan, "Hidden Christians", devoted Japanese members of the Catholic Church who went into hiding during the beginning of the Edo Period. Brought to Japan mostly by the Portuguese, the practice of Christianity was forbidden when Japan closed itself off to the world in the early 17th century...

A lot of 9 Japanese antique Buddhist temple Lotus leaves and blossoms. Made to be part of a Buddhist altar arrangement. The Lotus represents enlightenment blooming from out of the mud. Carved from wood and lacquered gold. Lotus petals are carved separately and joined. Each fitted with a custom metal stand.

Age: Meiji Era (1868-1912)

Dimensions: Varies from 15 1/2" to 36 1/2" High

Antique Japanese bronze temple bell or bonsho, with a handle of dragon heads called a ryuzu, protrusions called chi chi or nyu to improve resonance of sound, the tsuki-za striking panels, and the mei-bun inscription of the bell's history. Inscription dates the bell to Meiwa 4, 1767, during the Edo period. Commissioned by Ninomiya Juemon, village head and rest of villagers...

Antique Japanese wide lotus leaf. Made to be part of a Buddhist altar arrangement. The lotus represents enlightenment blooming from out of the mud. Carved of wood and lacquered gold. Fitted with a custom metal stand.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 20 3/4" high (including stand)

Antique Japanese gracefully curling tall lotus leaf. Made to be part of a Buddhist altar arrangement. The lotus represents enlightenment blooming from out of the mud. Carved of wood and lacquered gold. Fitted with a custom metal stand.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 27 1/2" high (including stand)

Antique Japanese tall and graceful lotus blossom. Made to be part of a Buddhist altar arrangement. The lotus represents enlightenment blooming from out of the mud. Carved of wood and lacquered gold. Lotus petals are carved separately and joined. Fitted with a custom metal stand.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 27" high (including stand)

Antique Japanese Bronze Temple Bell (Bonsho). Inscribed on body with name of location, temple and date...

An dramatic pair of large Japanese golden gilt lotus flowers. Gold gilt in excellent original condition over hand carved wooden lotus flowers. Originally these would have been exhibited at a large temple. Rare to find such a large pair. Typically when found these are much smaller. Each is mounted to a matching base.

Meiji Period (1868 -1912)

26" wide X 53" High

15th Century Japanese and carved wooded with gold gilt Japanese mounted flame. Once used as a flaming back drop to an important Japanese religious statue. Original gold pigment in great condition with undertones of black lacquer.
Custom forged iron stand mounted for home display.

Muromachi period 1336 to 1573 C. 15th Century

Dimensions: Base 9" long X 4" wide 34 1/2" high

Antique Japanese Buddhist Diamond Realm Mandala thangka painting (Kongokai Mandara). In Vajrayana Buddhism, the Diamond Realm (vajradhatu kongokai) is a metaphysical space inhabited by the Five Wisdom Buddhas. The Diamond Realm Mandala is based on an esoteric Buddhist sutra called Vajrasekhara Sutra. Shuji Mandala of the Two Worlds, Vajradhatu Mandala does not directly express the forms of the buddhas but expresses them in Sanskrit character (Siddham) called Shuji seed letter...

Unusual and original antique Japanese cast iron zen panel gong, or "umpan" meaning "cloud plate", usually hung outside of the kitchen area. Stylized decorations on the front include characters meaning both "sun" and "moon", a lucky bat, gourd medicine bottles, and lotus petals.

Mid to Late 18th century

Size: 25" W x .75" D x 26.5" H

Japanese Bronze Single Prong Vajra with pointed four sided blades to each end. Edo 19thC. Length: 6 9/16" (16.7 cm ) Condition: usual wear.

Small altar ("zushi" in Japanese) made of wood, lacquered in black outside, gilt inside. The locking system as well as the hinges are made of beautifully decorated bronze. The altar contains a gilt wood statue of Buddha sitting cross-legged in meditation posture on an elevated throne backed by an aureola. Japan, 19th century. Total height: 8" (20,5 cm). Flaked lacquer at the base, otherwise very good condition.