Miniature shrine with inside the sitting figure of Dainichi Nyorai. He sits on a lotus base, in front of an open-worked halo. Written on top, probably in red lacquer, underneath a thick layer of soot: Dainichi. Height 2 ¾ in. (6.8 cm). Japan, Edo period, 19th century. Outside: some tiny lacquer chips at edges of one door. Inside: some of the outer lotus petals missing, otherwise very good condition. Very finely carved.

Small shrine, or zushi, in a folkish style. In a simple, square case sits Buddha Shakyamuni with a round object in his hands, possibly a jewel or an alms bowl, carved in soap stone. Shaka sits on a low pedestal. On the inside of the left door a paper label with the inscription … no shaka sonzo (Figure of the … Buddha). Height case 7 inches; height figure 3 ¼ inches. Some traces of usage to the case. Figure in good condition...

The deity Shomen Kongo standing on a demon in front of a flaming halo. In front of him a rooster and a chicken and a monkey with a gohei. Ink and colors on paper. Painted area 25 x 11 inches. Several horizontal creases due to rolling, several small missing areas, all backed and partly retouched. New mounting in Chinese style. Overall stable condition.

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Zushi or Japanese traveling shrine made of lacquered wood, Meiji period (1868 - 1912), the interior decorated in gold with carved and nicely painted Buddhist figure inside...

Large zushi of square shape with double doors. Outside black lacquer and bronze hard ware, finely engraved with meandering flowers, inside gold lacquer. Inside a sculpture of the deity Benten, or Benzaiten, in her appearance with eight arms. In her hands she holds sword, jewel, bow, halberd and wheel. Other attributes are missing. On her head she wears the typical crown with torii, referring to the island of Enoshima, where the big Benten shrine is...

Bonji Sanskrit characters pierce the lotus finialed lid of this large antique bronze incense burner. The vajra-like finial topped in the shape of a lotus flower is hollow, the lotus seed pod pierced with holes to allow the smoke to escape like a chimney. This is also removable, slotting in to the incense burner, and turned to lock it in place. Inside the lid is stained and shiny from years of incense soot built up...

Startled to enlightenment, this is a large Edo period figure of a Rakan (Sanskrit: Arhat), a Buddhist saint kozutsucarved in the Yosegi-zaiku method of joined blocks of wood. Originally covered in polychrome colors, much has grayed and flaked away with time, a fitting aspect of the image. He has glass eyes which seem to burn violently with realization. The image is 43 x 36 x 51 cm (17 x 14 x 20 inches) and is in solid condition. The head is removable, slotted into the body at the collar...

A protective deity is carved into this Piece of a pillar from Himeji Castle dating from the Meiji period restoration of the Tenshukaku (main tower). It is branded with the Yaki-in which reads Himeji Jo Ko-zai-in (Brand of the old wood from Himeji Castle). It has long been a method of raising funds in Japan to offer replaced pieces of a historical building to those who donate to the restoration...

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.

Antique Japanese copper censer with handles. The pierced copper lid has a repousse design of a dragon in swirling storm clouds with lightening. The body of the censer is hammered copper and has two warabite shaped handles on either side.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 7" high x 11" wide (including handles)

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...

Statue of Buddha, in monk's robes, standing on an elevated rounded stand, his hands in abhaya and varada mudra (symbolizing protection, peace, charity and compassion). Wood, with fine patina. Japan, mid Edo period, 18th century. Height: 18 cm. Slight abrasion due to age, otherwise very good condition.

Antique Japanese tall stone sekitō (pagoda) with five tiers. Made of granite and carved in 9 stacking pieces. The central square section is carved with a seated Buddha on four sides. The top spire is carved with 9 tiers between lotus petals. The surface has a beautiful patina and is covered with areas lichen and moss.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 101 1/2" (8ft, 5in) high x 26" wide x 26" deep

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...

An antique Japanese temple fragment of the head of Amida Buddha in Hinoki (Cypress) wood. Hand carved in fine detail with a beautiful patina acquired over years of devotion and display.

Age: Edo Period (early 17th C)

Dimensions with stand: 11 5/8" High by 4" Wide by 3 1/2" Deep

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

An incredible and massive Japanese Buddhist Temple Ranma (transom) carving of a crouching Shishi (Fu Dog) under an overhanging pine tree flanked on both sides by exaggerated Peonies. Beautifully hand carved with great detail...

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. The panels are perforated with swirl...