Bronze reliquary in zushi, Japan, Momoyama period

Small shrine with inside a reliquary or sharito in the shape of a flaming wish-granting jewel. Crystal jewel holding relics. The reliquary made of gilded bronze with fine engraved and punched decoration. Japan, Momoyama period (ca. 1568-1600).
Height sharito: 4.1 inches (10.4 cm); height zushi: 5.4 inches (13.5 cm).
Gilding of sharito virtually rubbed off, otherwise good condition. Zushi with traces of usage.

A very similar sharito is illustrated in Ultimate Sanctuaries: The Aesthetics of Buddhist Relic Worship, Nara National Museum, 2001, p. 158, dated Muromachi period. The shape of the flames and the decoration on the flames is very similar. The piece in the catalogue has most of its gilding.

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