Japanese antique 4 section butsudan (Buddhist shrine for household use). The exterior is lacquered all black with double cabinet doors to the shrine area. The interior of the butsudan is lacquered gold and black and has ornate carved details of phoenixes and a dragon just below the shrine roof area. Details of birds and waves are carved in the area below. The interior shrine compartment has a slide out tray as well as a small compartment with gold lacquer sliding panels...

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...

Lovely serene buddhist Jizo bodhisattva diety with almost a knowing smile breaking. Carved out of granite in the Late Meiji Period. H:32cm; W:19cm; depth 13cm. Ask for shipping quote.

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...

Fabulous celebratory Shinto Shrine gable carving Ca. 1850. Carved from keyaki wood, the sixteen petal chrysanthemum is the crest or mon (紋) of the Japanese emperor and is often seen displayed on Shinto shrines throughout the country. This chrysanthemum is framed by a 'Noshi" a celebratory wrapping for gifts. This carving must have been for a new shrine. Great condition. Length: 35";H: 12"; depth: 3". Ask for shipping quote from CA.

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...

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...

. 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...

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.

Rather unusual late 18th to early 19th century Japanese bronze temple decoration fixture of a tennin - a female buddhist angel - as it flies playing a Shu - Japanese musical instrument from a flute group used in Shinto ceremony and consisting of bamboo reeds forming a circular wind chamber. Wonderful design, beautiful flow of her billowing scarves, gilded highlights, great patina. Very well cast, pleasantly heavy, peg on the back for fixing it to a temple or pedestal wall. Length 6 inches.

1930's Japanese Gilt Bronze Buddha Sankosho & Tokkosho (Dokkosho)

The sankosho is 5.6 inches (14.2 cm) tall by 1.6 inches (4.3 cm) wide. The tokkosho is 5.2 inches (13.3 cm) tall by 0.6 inch (1.7 cm) wide. They are 0.6 Lb.

It have rubbing of gilt, oxidation, and surface wears and scratches (as seen in the photos).

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Unusual 1890s - 1910s (late Meiji - early Taisho) Japanese lacquered wood nyoi - a Buddhist scepter - made out of a natural root. 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. Striated wood surface texture is nicely felt under lacquer, wonderful patina, very pleasant to the touch...