Late Meiji (1890s to 1912) Japanese temple boxwood seal of round section with original boxwood cover. Excellent quality crisp carving in seal script, old red seal paste in the grooves. Plastic peg indicates the position of the top of the imprint. Beautiful patina on the surface of wood, signs of use adding to the presence of the object. The impression of the seal is shown on Enlargement 4 (photo is flipped left to right to present the image as it will print on paper)...

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 ema of a horse. This ema is a dedication plaque that was made as an offering in a shinto shrine. Horses are considered vehicles of the gods, so this ema was made at the highest level in order to convey an important wish as speedily as possible. Painted in mineral colors on keyaki (elm) wood.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 29 3/8" high x 43 1/4" wide x 2" deep

19th century Japanese wooden nyoi - a Buddhist scepter - with scrolling finial. Nyoi, or Ruyi scepter is a traditional symbol of scholarship and transmission of knowledge. Dense sakura (cherry) wood with beautiful texture, simple elegant carving, wonderful patina to the surface from being handled, old ink spots in places, very pleasant to hold...

Museum piece. Inscripted on the bell are two dates: Kiei 4 (ca. 1851) and Meiji 28 (Ca. 1895) along with donor names. We are not sure why there are two dates. Also written,it is from Gyoshin-ji Temple in Omi no Kuni which is the Edo Period Ca. (1614-1868) name for present day Shiga Prefecture next to Kyoto. Also written is "prayers for peace donor group founded by Kuzan Gyoin, a monk. Excellent condition and sound. 21" tall x 12" in diameter. Ask for shipping quote.

Buddhist shrine containing a sculpture of Shichimen Daimyojin in sitting pose, one leg crossed over the other. She sits on the summit of mount Shichimen, one of her shoes by her side, holding a (golden) jewel in her left hand. In the right hand she hold another object, likely a key that is now missing.
Wood decorated with gold and mineral colors. Gilt metal mandorla behind her head, decorated with flaming jewels...

An antique gilt bronze Buddhist tower finial with three pierced flame flanges richly engraved with scrolling vines mounted on a hardwood pedestal It is 53 cm tall and in overall excellent condition.

Set of three large identical keman, made of gilt bronze. Decorative hangings from a Buddhist temple.

Each keman is fan-shaped (or perhaps boar's eye-shaped) with a design of two pairs of double chrysanthemum family crests set between karakusa (winding weeds) in openwork. The knotted cord in the center is executed in gilt bronze repoussé (hollow underneath). The openwork design is very carefully executed, with engraved details and nanako ground...

Wooden nyoi (ruyi in Chinese) scepter, an implement used by Buddhist priests during a ceremony or during formal preaching. Carved naturalistically in the shape of a lotus bud on a long stem with a lotus leaf wrapped around the stem. Rose wood or sandal wood. Made in two pieces.
Japan, 19th century.

Length 13-1/8 inches

Tiny chip at leaf edge. Fine condition.

Miniature shrine, or zushi, with figure of Bishamonten, carved in wood.
Bishamon stands on a demon that is lying on a rock. In his left hand he holds a pagoda and in the right a short staff or stick. Behind his head a gilt metal flaming mandorla. The garment of Bishamonten is decorated in gold paint, the crown and mandorla made of gilt copper.
The inside of the doors decorated with waribishi (diamond) pattern...

Antique Japanese bronze with gilt traces Quanyin statue, standing on a lotus pedestal.She holds a bottle in her left hand and a seashell in her right hand. With remnants of lacquer and gilt pigment.

18th century or later.

Dimensions: 12"H x 4" W x 4" D

18th Century Japanese Three-Pronged Bronze Sankosho Vajra Buddhist Implement

It is 5.51 inches (14 cm) in length by 1.4 inches (3.55 cm) wide. It is 109.2 gram.

It is tarnished and has pitting, casting imperfections, firing cracks, oxidation, and surface wears and scratches (as seen in the photos).

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Exceptional lacquered traveling altar with a bodhisattva riding an elephant inside. The carving is finely detailed and unbelievable. Late Meiji Period C.1900. Copper metal fittings on zushi. Excellent condition. Ask for shipping quote. Height:9" by 4" (when closed).

Late Meiji/Taisho (1890s-1910s) Japanese wooden nyoi - a Buddhist scepter made out of a branch with a natural knobby formation at its head. Nyoi, or Ruyi scepter is a traditional symbol of scholarship and transmission of knowledge. Wonderfully simple piece in Japanese taste, on a short side (usually nyoi are 12 inches or slightly longer), beautiful wear and patina...

Wonderful Japanese cypress wood carving of Amida Buddha from the Edo Period c. 1860. The halo is delicately carved and remarkably intact. The serene expression of the face is of tranquil bliss. The stand is surrounded by lotus petals. The left hand has some finger damage. Ask for shipping quote. H:14" x W:7".

Just superb Edo Period zen buddhist travelling altar or zushi. The rounded contoured roof and the outstanding metal work on the door and hinges indicate a high level samurai or retainer. Thick black lacquer and fine gilt on the inside. The roof dates the piece to late edo period c. 1860. The altar on the inside has 2 pillars and a cross beam with painted buddhist symbols. Request shippng quote. (H:12"; W:8")

. The bronze is very thick yellow, the casting is made in several parts, the arms are cast separately and welded, the ribbons too. The finish is very neat. The old patina is beautiful. The base is cast separately, the walls are thin unlike the statue, but it is indisputable that the two were made together. On the base and at the bottom of the statue are incised characters that date it. I do not know what the exact time is, but I can do research on request. The glory is added later...

19th century Japanese wooden nyoi - a Buddhist scepter - with scrolling finial. Nyoi, or Ruyi scepter is a traditional symbol of scholarship and transmission of knowledge. Dense fruitwood with beautiful texture, simple elegant carving, wonderful patina to the surface from being handled, old ink spots in places, very pleasant to the touch. Great subtle piece for scholar’s table, or a practicing Buddhist. Length 12 1/4 inches.

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.

Unusual 1890s - 1910s (late Meiji - early Taisho) Japanese lacquered wood nyoi - a Buddhist scepter - made out of a natural branch or root, its stem twisted back with 3 branches forming the head of the piece. Nyoi, or Ruyi scepter is a traditional symbol of scholarship and transmission of knowledge. Lacquered in Negoro style with black body and beautiful bright red patches on the branches of the head. Striated wood surface texture is nicely felt under lacquer, wonderful patina, very pleasant to ...

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. With glass eyes.

Bishamonten is...

Very old and wonderful carved wood figure of the buddhist god Fudo Myoo, he stands with laso in one hand and sword in the other, made of wood with mineral pigments, glass eyes, metal details including sword, large and dramatic with fire nimbus, Muromachi Period, inscription on the back of nimbus says Yuwayadera (name of temple), nimbus is signed that it was restored by Minamoto Haruhisa April 16, 1560. Size: 62" high

Small Buddhist shrine, or zushi, containing the figure of the Bodhisattva Kannon Nyoirin in six-armed form, sitting on a lotus base positioned on rocks. Kannon sits in position of royal ease, his head resting on his main right arm. In his other right hands he holds the wish-granting jewel (nyoi hoju) and a rosary of stringed beads. His main left hand rests on the lotus, while the others hold a script and a, now missing, lotus flower. He wears a crown and jewelry on his chest made of gilt metal a...

Hanging scroll with image of the descent of the Buddha to welcome the souls of the deceased and accompany them to the Western Paradise. He is standing on a lotus on clouds and holds his hand in gebon josho. The mudra is the appropriate level for common citizens to be reborn in. Mineral colors and gold on silk. The garment exquisitely decorated in gold. Japan, late Muromachi or early Edo period, 16th century.
Image: 38 ¼ X 15 ¾ inches. Mounting: 84 ¼ x 21 3/8 inches.
Missing areas...

Antique pair of small Inari Shinto shrine foxes carved of wood. Originally painted, these foxes have acquired a deep, dark over many years. Also called Zenko, these good spirit Kitsune (foxes) are specifically associated with the Goddess, Inari.
Believed to be both messengers and guardians, Kitsune serve Inari in her role as the Goddess of agriculture, specifically rice. Part of the folklore surrounding the fox is it's ability to shape shift into a human form. It is believed that Inari ...

Japanese antique pair of small Inari Shinto shrine foxes made of pottery with traces of Mica in the clay. Originally painted, these foxes still have traces of bright pigment. Also called Zenko, these good spirit Kitsune (foxes) are specifically associated with the Goddess, Inari.

Believed to be both messengers and guardians, Kitsune served Inari in her role as the Goddess of agriculture, specifically rice. Part of the folklore surrounding the fox is it's ability to shape shift into t...

A refined and elegant statue of Amida Buddha along with Samantabhadra and Avalokitesvara also known as either the Amida Triad or the Three Sages of the Pureland. The triad became popular during the Kamakura Period around the 12th- 13th centuries and a rich visual culture surrounding the triad emerged. Age: Edo Period Size: length: 21.5" width: 13" height" 37.5"

An antique Japanese bronze Buddhist temple bell called Bonsho with a carrying handle depicting diverging dragon heads called Ryuzu. The upper protrusions called Chi or Nyu improves the resonance of the sound when struck. Two opposing striking panels called Tsuki-za is the point on the bell where the best and longest sound is achieved. A bell of this size was hung in a neighborhood temple to summon the monks to prayer.

Age: Edo Era (1800-1850)

Dimensions: 9.5" Diameter by 17.5" Hig...

A Buddhist shrine, made for a temple, containing the 8-armed, weapon-bearing goddess Benten; her head adorned with a gilt bronze crown in the shape of a Shinto gate, decorated with birds, sun and moon, and beads. On the top of her head sits the snake-bodied water deity Ugajin. Behind her head a circular mandorla with three flaming jewels. Benten sits on a double lotus throne, placed on top of a rock formation.
The figure and the lotus dais are made in wood with gilding over red lacquer, wi...

A serene vision of enlightenment, calming and compassionate, can be seen in the later Edo period Buddhist carving of Amitabha. He stands on a lotus base, with a flame like mandala rising up behind him in the shape of a jewel, the entire gilded in pure gold worn soft with age and care. The figure alone is 39 cm (15-1/2 inches) tall. With the base and mandala, it is 65.5 cm (just under 26 inches) tall. It is in excellent condition. I believe that some restoration has been performed on the deli...

A rare full size Japanese Temple gold gilt ranma. Deep hand-carved relief depicting a floating apsara with an incredible flowing phoenix tail feathers (heavenly being) amongst swirling clouds. A phoenix rising up and through the angel with its head seen leading the way.
An apsara is a female spirit of the clouds and waters in Hindu and Buddhist culture. They figure prominently in the sculpture, dance, literature and painting of many South Asian and Southeast Asian cultures.
Th...

Plain wooden sculpture of the founder of the Nichiren sect. He is sitting, holding both his hands with the palms up. He is positioned on a rectangular elevation, decorated with water whirls and gilded over lacquer on the sides. Plain wood, carved in a slightly facetted way that gives texture to his garment and skin. On the back in black ink inscription reading "Nichiren". On the bottom inscription in black ink, partly covered by paper. Japan, Edo period, 19th century.
Height 4 11/16 in. (12...

Late Taisho Period C.1915 buddhist temple bronze altar lanterns with intricate zen cloud patterns and lattice work. The bronze work is immaculate and the cratsmanship without flaw; typical Taisho Period work. The oiled rice paper lining the inside of the main body is gone but the condition of the pieces is excellent. H:23cm x W:13cm. Ask for shipping quote.

Finely cast bronze censer on four linked feet with very elegant flower décor on the body and fretwork on the rim, patinated in a rich brown. Bottom decorated in low relief with repeating, extremely fine fretwork of faces. Seal on bottom: Dai-Nihon Bunsei nen Seimin sei. Japan, Edo period, early 19th century.
H H 2-7/8 x diam. 6 ½ inches.
Excellent condition

Murata Seimin (1761-1837), bronze sculptor active in Edo, well-known for his fine casting of bronze vessels and animals.

Very unusual Late Meiji Period C.1900 cypress wood 'Kannon' bodhisattva. Great condition. Ask for shipping quote from CA warehouse.

Antique Japanese carved wooden figure of a fu-dog (fu-lion) guardian. Traces of paint and gold guilt remain. The underside has writing in ink and a translation which reads: "This pair of Foo-lions was donated to the gate of Myoken Nichiren Shrine in Noma village of the province of Sesshu (near Osaka) on the date of 9th May, 7th year of Genroku ra. (1694 AD) by Gendo Ujihiro Inoue for his memory of accomplishment of repeating "Nichiren" prayer 300 times."

Dimensions: 10" high x 9" ...

Cast iron kakebotoke or votive plaque for a Buddhist temple or house shrine, showing Amida Nyorai in low relief with ajour in mandorla. Japan, Meiji era, 19/20th century.

Diameter 6 ¼ inches

Excellent condition

Early 19th century Japanese wooden devotional carving of Kannon (Chinese Guanyin, or Avalokiteshvara) - the Boddhisattva of Compassion - enveloped in her robe and cape. Kannon grants deliverance from suffering to anyone who calls upon her name. Wonderful quality work, beautiful tranquil face, graceful flow of her robe. Old small losses to nose and feet as can be see on photos. Marked on the bottom in ink with one character followed by kakihan (monogram of the carver). Excellent patina, has wond...

Antique Japanese small and detailed wood carving of standing Buddhist attendant figure. Gracefully positioned on a rocky out cropping, the male figure, possibly a Bosatsu himself exudes a sense of calm strength. Flowing drapery is carved with movement and intricately painted with mineral colors.

Age: Edo Period (1603-1868)

Dimensions: 9" high x 4 1/2" wide x 3" deep.

Sculpture of Shomen Kongo, standing with 6 arms, holding ghanta and sword, bow and arrow, halberd and chakra. Shomen Kongo protects against demons and diseases. Wood stained black, with metal parts. Japan, Edo period, shortly after 1800.
H ca. 11 inches.
Sword missing, few traces of usage. All in all very good condition.

Reliquary in the shape of a pagoda, used to house the Hokyoin Sutra. This type of reliquary originates from China and developed in Japan in the Kamakura era. The Hokyoin Darani sutra contains invocations that make it easier for the soul of the deceased to find its way out of Hell directly into Paradise. These pagodas are usually made of stone, so they can be buried with the deceased. The sutra is recited daily in esoteric Buddhist sects, and is venerated as a relic of the Buddha Shakyamuni. As ...

Tall zushi or Buddhist temple shrine, housing the wooden figure of the standing Buddha Amida, Buddha of the Western Paradise. Both his hands in mudra. He is standing on a multi-tiered hexagonal base, decorated with flowers. His eyes inset in glass or crystal, which are hardly visible due to old layers of re-lacquering and soot.

The baldachin decorated with double family crest. The zushi (case) has double hinged doors decorated with family crests in gold lacquer, indicating that the shrine...

Antique Japanese small zushi (traveler's shrine) with unusual scene of Buddha seated on a lotus throne which rises out of billowing waves. Below him, two lords stand on top of the water while smaller lotuses bloom around them. Carved of wood with painted and lacquered details.

Age: Edo Period (1603 - 1867)

Dimensions: 5 1/2" high x 4 1/4" wide (9 1/4" wide when open) x 2 5/8" deep.

Hanging scroll. The founder of the Shingon sect of Buddhism in Japan, Kobo daishi (774-835), seated at a priest’s seat, holding a vajra and a rosary in his hands.
His shoes and a ewer stand underneath his chair.
Ink, mineral colors and gold on silk.
Japan, 19th century.

Painted area: ca. 34.7 x 15.95 inches (93.1 x 40.4 cm); total length 65.2 inches (165.5 cm)

Scratch through upper part, few horizontal dull creases, basically good condition. Mounting with damage.

...

Black lacquered double door zushi portable shrine opening to a well-carved and polychrome painted image of Jizo Bodhisattva, sitting in repose on a lotus throne, his hand holding a staff with sacred rings, framed by a gilt metal mandorla. Accompanied by two attendants in a rocky grotto setting. Size:14.5"W closed, 29"W open x 11.5" D x 20"H. Edo Period, circa pre 1850s.

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. This mandala ...

Antique Japanese zushi (traveler's shrine) with double panel doors which open to reveal a standing figure of Jizo Bosatsu (O-Jizo-Sama). Jizo is the protector of travelers and firefighters as well as the guardian of the souls of all children. He stands on a lotus base with a Buddhist ring staff (shakujo) in his right hand and a jewel in his left. The doors of the shrine are painted with tennin, celestial beings on either side. Made of wood with lacquer and gold gilt.

Age: Edo Per...

Zushi, Buddhist shrine, containing a highly complex deity. On an eight-tiered lotus throne sits beautifully carved and decorated Dainichi Nyorai, his hands folded in his lap in meditation mudra. On his head he wears a cap in the shape of a lion head. He sits in front of a disc-shaped mandorla.

From the ceiling of the zushi hangs a drapery, decorated with of two phoenixes in fine gold on a lapis blue ground.

Wood with mineral colors, gofun, and fine decorations in gold. The crown of t...

Late Meiji Period C.1900 gold lacquer on zelkova wood mirror stand. Used in the inner chamber of altar shrine to reflect the void. Bronze mirror has plum blossoms and pine leafs in relief. Very good condition. (see pics). 11" tall by 7" wide. Ask for shipping quote.

Fairly large shrine with three carved figures: Shichimen Daimyojin, Kishimojin and the patriarch of the Nichiren sect, Nichiren. All are positioned on a rectangular base. Although all three can be connected with the Nichiren sect, the formation is a rather unusual one, leading to the assumption that the pieces were carved to the specific order of someone, for a very specific reason. The crest on the outside of the zushi (tachibana branch in well) hints in the same direction. It may very well hav...

Beautiful thick bronze hollow votive figure in the shape of Dainichi Nyorai sitting on a lotus base, former part of a kakebotoke. His head gear finely engraved with floral motives. Bronze with dark brown patina and traces of gilding. Kamakura period, 14th century.

Mounted on Japanese, old kiri-wood stand

H 4 ¼ inches

Excellent condition

Japanese antique shinto shrine, made of hinoki (Japanese cypress) wood, wonderful details with elaborate staircase and other temple details including miniature baku, fudogs and a dragon, copper roof with nice patina, Edo Period. Size: 28 1/2" high x 22" wide x 27 1/4" deep.

Tiny zushi, or hand shrine, with double doors on two sides. Inside a two-sided reliquary with tiny stones, in the shape of a flaming jewel, or tama, on a lotus base in gilt copper alloy and glass. Shrine made of kiri wood (paulonia), inside covered with lacquer with nashiji gold sprinkle. Outside mounted in gilt metal hardware with nanako decoration. Japan, Edo period, 18th century, possibly earlier.

H 2 ½ inches

Some age and use related chipping along the edges, minor damage in the la...

An antique Japanese Zushi (portable altar) with standing Amida Buddha within. Urushi lacquer over wood. Original bronze ornamentation features a large clasp with stylized arabesque Lotus blossoms on either side and the Dharma wheel above and below. Makie lacquer crossed feathers Mon (family crest). Opening the doors of the altar reveals the Buddha in its original patina and a hand painted upper apron with lotus blossoms.

Age: Edo Period (1750-1800)

Dimensions: 26" High by 9 1/...

Antique Japanese small zushi, a shrine made for traveling. Carved of wood and lacquered black on the outside, the tiny doors open to reveal the figure of a praying abbott standing on a lotus pedestal. The interior of the shrine as well as the abbott himself are all lacquered gold and he holds a tiny strand of glass prayer beads. There is a tiny metal hook on the top of the zushi.

Age: Edo Period 1603-1867

Dimensions: 4 5/8"H x 2"W x 1 3/8"D

A pair of bronze temple lanterns with a cross pattern design in the section where the light would be placed. The pair may have been used in a small shrine within a temple altar complex. Age: 20th century. Size: Height: 15" Diameter: 8.5"

Part of a triptych with depiction of the Five Great Myoo. At the top is Kongo Yasha Myoo, standing on two lotus bases, at the bottom Gozanse Myoo, being held by an acolyte. Black ink and color on silk, background gold. Beautiful painting, expensively painted.
Painted area: 39 x 15 ¼ inches; frame: 47 ¼ x 21 in.
Good condition, framed ( rollers cut off, old mounting behind mat).

Tranquil sitting Nyorai Zen Buddha on a tiered stand. Wood is hinoki or Japanese cypress. Beautifully lacquered with a gold gilt covering. The Buddha has a jeweled forehead and a swirling leaf backdrop. It sits on a lotus stand. The bottom of the stand is swirling Buddhist clouds. c.1885. (11" x 6") (28cm x 15cm). Ask for shipping quote quote.

Late Meiji (1890s to 1912) Japanese boxwood seal, most probably used in a temple to stamp pilgrimage papers. The impression of the seal is shown on the first photo (image is flipped left to right to present the image as it will actually print on paper). Excellent quality crisp carving of 2 rows of differently sized characters, caked old red seal paste on the bottom. Metal stud on the side indicates the position of the top of the imprint. Beautiful patina on the surface of wood. Height 2 3/16 inc...

Late 18th to early 19th century Japanese lacquered wood Boddhisattva with his hands in praying attitude, mounted on burlwood plaque. Wonderful beatific face, quiet dignity in its posture, old nicks here and there, overall in great condition for a 200 year old piece. very pleasant patina. Newer burl board with beautiful texture resembling dense swirling clouds, nice metal fitting for hanging. Good devotional or decorative object. Board height 6 7/8 inches, figure height 3.5 inches.