Circular hand shrine, or zushi, in two halves. Inside, one half shows the bodhisattva Kokuzo carved in relief with a sword in the right (to cut through ignorance) and a wish-granting jewel in his left hand. He sits on a lotus base, placed on a rock. Details of the carving and the background painted in gold, black, red and malachite green. The other half shows a lotus pond, a rock and a cloudy sky painted in delicate lines of gold and silver, heightened with black...

Buddhist shrine containing the deity Uga Benzaiten surrounded by Fifteen Children (Jugodoji), all sitting and standing on a rock formation. In the foreground are the ox and the horse, a boat laden with rice bales and the snake god Ugajin. Hidden between the jugodoji is the tiny figure of Amida Buddha.

In this shrine Benten appears in her eight-armed martial form holding various weapons (wheel, bow, spear, sword, club, lock, and arrow) and the wish granting jewel (all of them missing)...

Very rare bronze sculpture of Daiitoku, one of the five Myoo. He is represented with six heads (three large, three small), six legs and six arms that are holding the different attributes, while he is sitting on the back of a reclining long-horned buffalo. Here, Daiitoku holds his main hands clasped together. In the others he holds a staff, chakra, sword and trident. A flaming mandorla has been inserted in the back of the buffalo and is held in place by a metal strip on the back of Daiitoku ...

A carved wooden mask dating from Edo period Japan, likely made as a talisman to ward off evil and bad spirits. It is of thickly carved wood, larger than life, and beautifully modeled. Originally the mask was covered in lacquer and the eyes were silver., remnants of color still visible in the folds and crevices. It is 31 x 25 cm (12 x 10 inches) and is in overall fine condition.

Fabulous cypress wood dragon carving from a zen temple. Well preserved. Stands upright. Excellent condition. When the carp swims up a waterfall and makes it over the top it becomes a dragon and resides in the celestial realm protecting the buddha`s teachings. 34" long bu 11" wide. Ask for shipping quote.

Buddhist shrine, or zushi. Inside stands Jizo bosatsu, holding a wish-granting jewel (hoju no tama) in his left hand and his staff in the right. Very elaborate wooden carving with thick layers of lacquer on top of which gilding. Unusual face with down cast eyes. Metal staff with moving rings.
Height 11.2 inches (29.2 cm).
Japan, Edo period, 18th century...

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...

Pair of rare hanging apsaras, also known in Japanese as Kuyo Bosatsu or Hiten. The style of the face, the soft appearance of the hands, and the flowing robes are fine examples of the highest quality in Edo Period Buddhist sculpture. One apsara may have been holding an object to offer the Buddhas, while the other is carrying drumsticks and appears to be hitting the drum the apsara is carrying. The pair may have been part of a set long ago, but even so, it is rare to see this set...

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.

Rare pair of foxes that guard a Inari shrine. One holding a jewel in the mouth, the other a key. Each squatting on a little pedestal. Earthenware with mineral color pigments red, blue, white and black. Japan, Edo period, 19th century.

H 19-1/2 x W 6-1/2 x D 9 inches.

One tail restored, key broken and partially replaced for the sake of symmetry, few chips. All in all excellent condition.

19th century or earlier good size Japanese magatama bead made out of jadeite with wonderful play of hues of white to very light green. Beautiful matte surface with wonderful patina, great feel of age, very pleasant to the touch. Magatama are curved beads which first appeared in Japan during the Jomon period (circa 1000 BCE), and in Korea during the Prehistoric period, mainly in the Bronze Age and Neolithic...

A small Pure Land Buddhist shrine -zushi- containing a figure of the 11-headed Kannon on a lotus, holding a flask in his left hand, standing before a full-size mandorla.
Painted in mineral colors and gold onto the gilded doors are Jizo bosatsu to his right and Kokuzo bosatsu to his left.

Carved wood (probably boxwood), decorated with gold. Jewelry gilded metal (now black).
Red lacquered shrine with fine gilded hardware. Japan, Edo period, 18th century.
Case: ca...

. 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...

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"

An antique Japanese Wood Buddhist altar fitting known as a keman. The hand fan like shape were thought to have originated from flower garland offerings seen in India. The keman is decorated with motifs of lotuses with two apsaras. The top of the keman has the crest of the Tokugawa family. Age: Edo Period 17/18th century, Size: Length 25" Height 9.5" Width 1.5"

Unusual 1890s - 1910s (late Meiji - early Taisho) Japanese wooden nyoi - a Buddhist scepter - made out of a natural branch or root, its head with wonderful pattern of roiling clouds. Nyoi, or Ruyi scepter is a traditional symbol of scholarship and transmission of knowledge. Lacquered in Negoro style with bright red body and black patch on the head. Nice striated wood surface texture of the branch, wonderful patina, very pleasant to the touch. Excellent piece for a scholar’s desk, or a practi...

A large standing esoteric protector deity known as Gozanze Myoo. The piece has darkened from the smoke of the goma offerings done for the image. The statue is posed doing the Gozanze mudra, which is the mudra of subjugation. Gozanze Myoo's name literally means the vanquisher of the three realms, where this myoo destroys foolishness and anger. Age: Edo Period (c1800). Size: height 38.5" width 12.25" length 18.5"

Bato Kannon Ca. 1870 (horse-headed Kannon, also called Mezu Kannon), hayagriiva in Sanskrit, is one shape of Bosatsu (Bodhisattva) worshipped in Buddhism. It is one of the transformations of Kannon Bosatsu (Kannon Bodhisattva) and is also included in Roku Kannon (six deities of mercy). It has fierce expression, which is rare for Kannon. Granite stone, age wear, hands in gassho prayer mudra. Ask for shipping quote.

Very refined zushi with the sculpture of the bodhisattva Jizo. He stands on a lotus throne on rocks, holding a jewel in his left hand, his right hand missing. Behind his head a halo with very fine decoration in relief of clouds and jewels. Light wood with polychrome and gorgeous gold decoration, especially on the garment. Japan, Edo period, 19th century.
Height 6 in. (15.3 cm).
Right hand missing, otherwise excellent condition. Case: some dents and chips, basically in very good condi...

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...

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...

An original pair of rare Edo period heavenly Tennyu temple beings. Each has a gold gilt finish with condition consistent with age. Both are complete and ready to be installed.
Left tennyo is depicted with drum suspended from her waist and holding a pair of sticks. The righ is holding a bell and holds Shuni mudra with right hand, symbolizing patience and discipline.
These Tennyo (天女 "Heavely 天使 Woman/Women"), are a divine kind of spiritual beings found in through Japanese...

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...

19th century Japanese wooden nyoi - a Buddhist scepter - in a form of a branch with bulbous head. Nyoi, or Ruyi scepter is a traditional symbol of scholarship and transmission of knowledge. Natural tree branch with a growth forming the head of the scepter, no carving as such, wonderful patina to the surface from being handled, very pleasant to hold. Excellent subtle piece for a scholar’s desk, or a practicing Buddhist, and is indispensable for hitting acolytes who have fallen asleep during med...

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

Pair of Fushimi Kitsune Stone Foxes, Shinto shrine guardians have a lively and attractive appearance, red pigment to mouths. Inscription on back shows the address of the Inari Fushimi Shrine and the name of the carver. From right to left (with the characters of a word running down): Joshu--(the area of Kyoto was called Joshu in old days), Fushimi, Kyomachi -(Kyoto town), Ishiku (stone maker), Izumisei (the name of the stone maker). Size: 24.5H 19W 11W, Edo Period, 18th/19th century, cra...

Antique Japanese set of five lotus leaves and blossoms. Carved of wood and lacquered silver. Made for a Buddhist altar, these leaves and blossoms symbolize the stages of the path toward enlightenment. Every petal of the lotus flower is carved separately. Each blossom and leaf comes fitted with a custom metal stand so they can be rearranged at will.

Age: Taisho Period

Dimensions: approx 26"hight (tallest leaf)

Very unusual 1900s (late Meiji) miniature Japanese bronze reliquary to be worn as a pendant or used on a house altar. Beautifully made crisp image of Amida Buddha modeled on the Great Buddha of Kamakura, front and back are hinged on the bottom and open to reveal small storage space for a tiny object of religious significance to the owner. The material of the figure is paktong (also called white bronze) - an alloy made of copper, nickel and zinc extensively used in China and Japan in the 18th an...

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

Large two-door shrine holding inside the figure of Kujaku Myoo sitting on a lutus dais on the back of a peacock. Kujaku means peacock and is revered for transmuting the "poisons" of greed and anger and for eliminating karmic hindrances. The peacock (in India) eats poisonous plants and snakes and is thus thought to guard against evils from poisoning or calamity. Kujaku has four arms, holding a pomegranate, peacock feather, and either a lotus flower or a Buddha-fruit (one attribute is missing). Wo...

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.

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

Plain wooden sculpture of the deity Shichimen Daimyojin. She is sitting on the top of mount Shichimen, crossing her left leg over the right, holding a jewel in her left hand. She is positioned on a rectangular elevation, painted green on top and gilded over lacquer on the sides. Behind her a jewel decorated nimbus. Plain wood, carved in a slightly facetted way that gives texture to his garment and skin. Crown of gilded metal. On the back in black ink inscription reading ‘Nichiren’. On the bo...

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. The pine tree represents longevity while the large Peonies symbolize an abundance of wealth. The frame and carving both are made of Hinoki (Cypress) wood. Very good original condition.

Edo Period (1603-1868)

Dimensions: 94" Wide by 27 1/2" High by 4" Deep ...

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 with double hinged doors. Inside three sculptures of a female in dancing pose, holding an open fan and two males, sitting in front of the female. The old man at the left hand side holds bells in his right hand, in his left he held something that is missing today. The man on the right hand side held something in his right hand, now missing. Judging the faces they could be Daikoku, Ebisu and Benten. Three figures elaborately carved in plain wood, their bases decorated in color. Japan...

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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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. His heavily lidded eyes are inset with glass or crystal and his facial expression radiates a calm stillness.

Age: Edo Period (1603-1867)...

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)

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. However, some still practiced in ...

Antique Japanese bronze vajra, an important symbol in Vajrayana Buddhism, Hinduism, and Tantra religions. The name vajra means both thunderbolt and diamond, as it is a symbol of brute strength and indestructibility. Its center piece represents the center of the universe with lotus pods blooming outwards to extend the five pronged weapons. The five prongs represent the "Five Poisons" which prevent humanity from reaching enlightenment. The dual ends represent the phenomenal world (Samsara) versus ...

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

Exceptional carving of Kannon Bosastu or Bodhisattva the goddess of compassion and mercy. She holds a lotus in her left hand symbolizing purity and ability to rise from the mud to transform into a beautiful flower. She stands on a stand of lotus pedals with large lotus leaves. To the side are buddhist clouds. Painted in the Edo Period c. 1860, some of the colors have worn away and the right foot is chipped off. Hinoki wood. Comes in paulownia wood box. Ask for shipping quote. H:19cm x W:28cm

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.

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.
The baldachin above the figure is decorated with auspicious symbols in ...

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

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. Behind the crown on her head, sits Ugajin, th...

Japanese antique giver of joy diety elephants, Shingon and Tendai sects, made of boxwood male and female elephants-headed with human body holding another. Well-carved, with inlaid eyes, hollow body. Giver of joy and prosperity. Small restoration.

Edo Period, circa 1800s
Size: Height 4" Width 2 1/4" Depth 2"

19th century Japanese bronze for an altar of a Buddha seated in lotus position with his hands in anjali mudra - a gesture of greeting, prayer and adoration - in front of him. Very nicely cast, beautiful patina, good devotional object. Height 2.72 inches.

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.
The ‘saddles’ are decorated with ...

Exceptional Late Edo Period C.1860 zen buddhist traveling altar usually carried by samurai. In a small wooden 'zushi' or wood altar with hinged doors, inside is Fudo-Myo, the immovable king carved out of wood sitting on a carved stand of lotus flowers. He symbolizes compassion with firmness. He holds a sword and he has the power to crush all obstacles and troubles. Ask for shipping quote. H:11cm x W:8cm

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. Good luck day of July.

Bonshō (Japanese: 梵鐘, Buddhist bells), also known as tsurigane (釣り鐘, hanging ...

Japanese Buddhist reliquary made of gilt bronze and crystal in a miniature lotus lantern or stupa form. The sarira, or human pearls, are delicately displayed in the central portion of the reliquary through a crystal cylinder. Two types of sarira are divided between two levels, with three smaller yellowish churira on top (originating from the liver) and two larger, whitish sharira (originating from the head) on the lower shelf. These human pearls are the crystalline traces left behind in t...

TO MIYOSHI SHRINE FROM YAMATO SUE

The letters made of copper plates originally attached to a votive wooden tablet dedicated from its worshipper named Yamato Sue to the Miyoshi-jinja shrine in Akita prefecture. Meiji period (1868-1912). Letter of Kami (God): approx. 11 x 13cm (4.33 x 5.11in). Besides, as seen the last three photos, changeable to "God of Clay", "Eros", and "Excellent luck" by free anagram arrangement. Please enjoy.


selected by ti...

A Japanese carved and lacquered wood figure of a Buddhist Guardian. (Originally part of a small scale group comprised of at least a central figure and pair of acolytes.) Up to 12 such guardian figures are possible in a temple grouping. Condition is good and presentable with one small loss of wood to one sleeve and some minor lacquer losses. Missing are a nimbus and possibly an ornament atop the helmet. Height: 9 3/8 inch (23.8cm) including a 3/16 (1.9cm) inch high base to which it is affixed.

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/...

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. For ...

Being of both simple and elegant design, this small religious shrine is so typical of Japanese aesthetics. It is made from Cedar wood and dated on the back as "Showa, 2nd year, March 17. Approximately 5" high and 3" wide.

Zushi or shrine with inside a wooden sculpture of an erect penis dressed in the typical dress of a palace groom, using the grain of the wood to accentuate belly and knees. Fertility symbol, probably used / displayed during local fertility festivals. Also classified as waraimono - things that make you smile. Japan, Meiji era, around 1900.

Case H ca. 10 ½ inches; sculpture H 6 ¼ inches

Zushi with a lot of wear. Sculpture in fine condition; was formerly glued to another base plate.

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. Case Japanese, figure perhaps Chinese, although style is more Japa...