Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese (188)

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 Japanese.

Travel shrine, or zushi, with sitting figure of Kukai, carved in wood. The founder of the Shingon sect sits on a low pedestal, his shoes put underneath. In his left hand he holds the rosary, in the right he formerly held a vajra. Figure carved in plain wood, the pedestal decorated in gold and the typical red, white, green and blue. The inside of the doors decorated with lotus flowers in dull gold lacquer on shining gold lacquer. On the curtain above a decoration of manji and garlands in the same technique. The outside case in black lacquer with gilt and engraved hard ware. Inside: tip of curtain and vajra missing. Outside: short crack in each of the doors, some traces of usage. Height of case 5 3/8 inches; height of figure 2 3/8 inches.

Half portrait of Daruma in bold strokes of gray and black. Lower right signature Isshin hitsu and two seals. Black and gray ink on paper. Painted area 36 ½ x 8 ½ inches. Toned, some horizontal creases, repaired missing area at lower middle. Celluloid scroll ends.

Feel free to ask for more pictures.

Ebisu sits on a rock, a bamboo stalk in the hand, as if holding a fishing rod, a giant red carp stuck under his arm. Daikoku stands on rice bales and holds his hammer in the hand. Around them a split daikon and the coat and hat of invisibility. On the lower right two seals: Kachutei Ninsei (or Jinsei). Ink and colors on paper (black outlines are hand painted, NOT printed). Painted area 11 ¾ x 18 1/8 inches. Toned, several horizontal creases, some of them backed, few vertical creases restored, few tiny missing areas, overall stable condition. Ivory scroll ends, brocade mounting decorated with treasures.

Although no information on the artist was found, his works do show up from time to time. Stamped with the same seals.

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.

Feel free to ask for additional photos.

Glass ball on a wooden stand of finely carved and undercut work. The base has been carved in the shape of high foaming waves in which fishes are swimming, and that carry the jewel of the tides. The waves inlaid with little pieces of mother-of-pearl and gold lacquer. Ryujin, the Dragon King, held this jewel to rule the tides. Overall height 7 ¼ inches. Japan, Meiji period. Ball in near-perfect condition (one tiny, shallow scratch), the stand with some repairs and some missing tips on the waves.

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, the serpent with human head, deity of good fortune. Benten sits on a double lotus base, behind her a small mandorla originally decorated with three flaming jewels, today one is missing. This type of Benten is called Uga Benzaiten. To her sides stand Bishamonten (one arm missing) and Daikoku. Gilt and black lacquered wood partly covered in soot. Crystal eyes. Some old breaks, and repairs (with the original pieces). Some lacquer chips and a few missing parts as described. Crack along Benten's lap (seam between the blocks). Generally good condition. Box with some modern repairs, some lacquer chips, crack in bottom (stable), all damages due to usage. H 21 ½ inches. Japan 18th century.

A similar, 8armed figure, without the presence of Bishamonten and Daikoku, can be found in the catalog 'Sacred Treasures of Mount Koya. The Art of Japanese Shingon Buddhism', Honolulu Academy of Arts, 2002, no. 39.

Hanging scroll of mandala with Guanyin sitting on a rock, surrounded by two worshiping deities in front of him and by a guardian figure in the upper left corner. Beneath him the gods of thunder and wind and rain in the clouds. Below these, Chinese figures in a mountainous landscape, occupied by different activities. On top of the painting a printed text. Unfortunately we were not able to identify the mandala and thus the meaning. Ink and color on Chinese paper. 19th century, China.
50 ¼ x 21 inches.
Some missing areas in text, gold somewhat crackled, otherwise good condition. Paper mounting.