Group of four altar pieces: One larger altar table, wood, red, ochre and black lacquer, and gilded at the front and top. Two smaller altar tables, wood, red, ochre and black lacquer and gilded at front ant top. One small empty shrine, black lacquered wood and gilding. Japan, later Showa period. The shrine and one of the smaller stands earlier 20th century.
Larger table 14 ¾ in. long x 5 in. high x 4 ¾ in. deep; smaller tables each ca. 11 in. long x 4 ¾ in. high x 3 ½ in. deep; shrine ca. 7 ½ in. high.
All with slight, but unoffending traces of usage, very good condition.

Two gilt bronze hangings, probably called yoraku, used as Buddhist altar decorations. They are made of a cap in the shape of a lotus leaf. From seven points rows of pierced diamond shaped and triangular metal ornaments are hanging, with glass beads between them, each with two or three bell shaped drops. One string in the middle with at the bottom a larger bell-shaped pendant. Japan, Showa period, probably later 20th century.
Total length of each: ca. 11 inches.
Excellent condition.

These kind of ornaments would be hanging from the corners of a baldachine, or large moveable shrine.

Two gilt bronze hangings, probably called yoraku, used as Buddhist altar decorations. They are made of a cap in the shape of a lotus leaf. From sevenpoints rows of pierced diamond shaped and triangular metal ornaments are hanging, with glass beads between them, each with two or three bell shaped drops. One string in the middle with at the bottom a larger bell-shaped pendant. Japan, Showa period, probably 1950 or a little earlier.
Total length of each: ca. 7 inches.
One triangular ornament bent, but not broken, otherwise excellent condition.

These kind of ornaments would be hanging from the corners of a baldachine, or large moveable shrine.

Highly unusual view of a Buddhist service. In the center sits a priest surrounded by 13 monks. They are all sitting on tatami mats, their hands folded in prayer around rosaries. In the back plays a group of musicians. In the background an altar with a painting of the Buddha Amida, flanked by portraits of priests. Very unusual painting with extremely realistic faces. Black ink and colors and gold on silk. Japan, allegedly painted in 1935, probably on special order or for a special occasion.
Measurements: ca. 27.5 x 46.5 inches (69 x 116 cm). Framed.
Few stains and creases, otherwise excellent condition.

Even though the year 1935 is not verifiable, the highly realistic style of the painting and the very typical Japanese subject matter point in the direction of the Nihonga movement that was very strong in Japan in the 1920s and 1930s.

Wooden folk art carving of a giant penis. Strapped around it are red and white twisted cotton cords (imenawash) with paper strips (gohei). Japan, 20th century.
H 24.5 inches (62.2 cm).
Excellent condition.
The piece may have stood in a fertility shrine or may have been used in a festival.

Empty zushi (shrine) of a very simple mokko shape, made of gilded metal. The outside in dull gilding, the inside shiny, orange-tinged gold. The upper draping (plastic) with two phoenixes and a jewel in the clouds, the base on the bottom decorated with a plant design. The bottom outside lined with green felt. Japan, Showa period.
Height 7 3/4 inches.
Outside all around with corrosion spots, inside of doors with traces of weathering (left stronger than right side). Patina.

Image of Fudo Myoo standing in the clouds with his sword in his right, the rope in his left hand. Mandala of red flames behind him. Inscribed: Copied from…. ; two red seals. Slip of paper on the back with red seal: Black ink and colors and gold on silk, mounted in green brocade with copper, engraved scroll ends. Inscribed on the back of the mounting, probably referring to a remounting: Date Taisho 14 or 1925, name of owner? (Narita yamanushi).
Painted area 46 5/8 x 16 1/8 inches (119.6 x 41.3 cm).
Painting somewhat soiled and browned, some small dark spots, mainly in background, slightly creased. Mounting with short tear (approx. 1 inch) in edge, weak spots at scrolls fortified with tape, otherwise in good hanging condition. Painting all in all in good condition. Comes with original wooden box, which is dated and inscribed with the name of original painter.