Large zushi, made on order for a temple, containing a seated group of En no Gyoja, the father of Shugendo, with his two attendants Zenki and Goki inside a cave. En no Gyoja is sitting with a staff in his right hand, and a hand scroll in his left. The two attendants are crouched before him. The green attendant (Goki) holds a ewer and a stick to ring a bell or mokugyo; the red disciple (Goki) holds an axe...

Very unusual figure of the Kigyo Kishimojin, standing with a baby in her arms, holding up a pomegranate in her right hand. In this form she represents the protector of children.
Almost abstracted wooden figure with dark patina...

Antique Japanese pair of shokudai (candle sticks). Made of copper repousse and overlaid with silver, these candle sticks are decorated with a intricate chrysanthemum and scrolling vine motif. The base and top of each of the candle sticks flares out and is lobed in a chysanthemum form with scalloped edges.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 22 3/4" high x 9" wide

Small shrine holding the image of the Buddha Dainichi Nyorai, sitting on a lotus base, before a circular mandorla. Doors decorated on the inside with an exquisitely painted motif of star-shaped flowers. Wood decorated in mineral colors and gold. Very high quality. Thin metal for mandorla and crown. Japan, Edo period, 18th century.
H of case ca. 5 inches.
Most of the crown missing, some traces of usage but all in all in excellent condition.

A pair of lovely gold lacquered zen temple lotus offering stands Ca. 1930. Very good condition with minor wear. see picture. Height; 11" x Diameter of 5". Ask for shipping quote.

Small shrine with the esoteric Buddhist figure of the Fudo Myōō who personifies Dainichi Nyorai. He is standing on a rock pedestal – symbol of his steadfastness - with a rope in his left hand and formerly with a sword in his right hand (broken off and missing). Behind him a flaming red mandorla. The patterns on his garment and his jewelry painted delicately in gold and mineral colors.
Japan, Edo period, 18th century.

Height of zushi: ca...

A beautiful Japanese antique gilt copper Buddhist sutra box with allover impressions of peonies and other floral elements. Interior lined in gold flecked paper and gilt edges.

Edo Period 18th Century

Size: 14 1/4" x 11 1/16" x 7 1/4"

Very rare. Simple wooden zushi with a figure of Fudo Myoo sitting on a high rock before a flaming halo. In his right hand he holds a sword, in his left a rope.
On lower levels of the rock formation sits Seitaka doji, holding his scarf in his left hand and a (now missing) club in his right, and stands Kongara doji, holding a lotus flower in his hands.

Light brown CLAY, hand modeled (not molded!), fired at low temperature, painted dark brown...

An antique Japanese zushi (small Buddhist shrine) with Fudo Myo-o and attendants. One of the five myo-o or Lords of Light, Fudo Myo-o sits with sword in hand, the flames of his nimbus swirling around him. Fudo's name means "the unmovable or unshakable one". He is a fierce deity who guards the Law of Buddhism from the forces of evil.
Carved of wood, colorfully painted and with gold and black lacquer.

Age: Edo Period (c...

Japanese Buddhist scroll painting with the image of Amida raigo, the descent of Amida Buddha from the Western Paradise to earth. He comes down to transport the newly deceased devotee to the Western Paradise. In the middle Amida, to his right the bodhisattva Seishi, hands folded in prayer, to his left Kannon holding the lotus throne for transporting the deceased to Paradise. A ray of light comes from Amida’s urna. All three figures are standing on lotus thrones, floating on white clouds...

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...

Museum piece bronze temple lantern dated Bunsei 13 ( Edo Period C. 1830). Inscription on the base reads: Bunsei 13, Year of the tiger, November, Auspicious Day. Gosho - machi ( Gosho village) Shoei-Ji (Shoei Temple). Shoei Temple is a Jodo -shu temple in Nara established in C.1100. It was rebuilt in C.1577. The lantern is bronze with a chrysanthemum motif and lined with old rice paper. In unbelievably great condition. H: 76cm x diameter: 28cm. Ask for shipping quote.

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...

An antique Japanese Zushi (portable altar) with standing Amida Buddha within...

First of its kind we have seen with a carving on the table top. A kannon , goddess of mercy is riding a dragon carved into the top and lacquered. Exceptional. Copper metal fittings. Some wear as expected with this age c. 1850. Ask for shipping quote.

A very large example of an antique Japanese Baku corbel used in a temple or shrine. The Baku is a mythical spiritual creature which resides in the Buddhist realm. Its purpose is to devour evil spirits as well as one's nightmares. Carved from one solid block of Keyaki (Zelkova) wood, this architectural sculpture has stood the test of time.

Edo Period (early 19th Century)

Dimensions: 44 1/2" Long by 19 1/2" High by 13 1/4" Deep

19th century Japanese wooden nyoi - a Buddhist scepter - with scrolling finial. Nyoi, or Ruyi scepter is a traditional symbol of scholarship and transmission of knowledge. Dense fruitwood with beautiful texture, simple elegant carving, wonderful patina to the surface from being handled, old ink spots in places, very pleasant to the touch. Great subtle piece for scholar’s table, or a practicing Buddhist. Length 12 1/4 inches.

Museum piece. Inscripted on the bell are two dates: Kiei 4 (ca. 1851) and Meiji 28 (Ca. 1895) along with donor names. We are not sure why there are two dates. Also written,it is from Gyoshin-ji Temple in Omi no Kuni which is the Edo Period Ca. (1614-1868) name for present day Shiga Prefecture next to Kyoto. Also written is "prayers for peace donor group founded by Kuzan Gyoin, a monk. Excellent condition and sound. 21" tall x 12" in diameter. Ask for shipping quote.

Pair of rare negoro lacquered, wood Edo Period C.1860 zen buddhist temple altar candlestands. Fabulous buddhist cloud carvings in gold gilt at the base. Wood is Japanese cypress. H:23" x W:12". Great condition. One candlestand has a split at the top. (see picture). Ask for shipping quote.

Highly unusual Buddhist shrine with the image of a horse looking back. The horse has a ‘brocade’ cover over his back and is standing behind a mesh wire fence, the way they would be kept in temple compounds.

Polychromed wood with some gold details. The roof of the shrine is a separate piece and can be detached, which allows for taking apart the zushi.

Japan, Meiji period, 19th century.
Height of zushi ca. 7.8 inches (19.5 cm).

Frontal golden curtain dislodged due to war...

Shrine with the exquisite carving of the eleven headed Kannon, holding the vase with the flower in the left hand, a rosary in the right. Dark wood. The garment, finely carved with pleats and scarves, decorated in gold with flowers and geometric designs. On the crown 8 of the 11 heads (three missing), with individual faces. The accessories on the chest and the crown in gilded metal. Kannon is standing on a nine tiered base (six tiers hexagonal, three tiers, the lotus, are round). Excellent piece....

An original pair of plaster Japanese Inari temple foxes. Crushed oyster shell finish with mineral paint detailing in traditional Shinto colorways : orange, purple, green. Each of the foxes has a soft pink underbelly. Wonderful original and complete condition. Each fox sits atop a base as a single piece.

Age: Meiji Period (1868 - 1912)

Dimensions: 9 1/2" wide x 6 1/2" deep x 19 1/2" high

Inari Ōkami (Japanese: 稲荷大神), also called Ō-Inari (大稲...

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.

Antique Japanese small drum. Likely for ceremonial use, this drum could have been placed on a stand or held by its handle while in use. Made of keyaki (zelkova elm) wood and painted leather with iron and bronze.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 7 3/4" wide x 4" deep

Japanese antique pair of small Inari Shinto shrine foxes made of pottery with traces of Mica in the clay. Originally painted, these foxes still have traces of bright pigment. Also called Zenko, these good spirit Kitsune (foxes) are specifically associated with the Goddess, Inari.

Believed to be both messengers and guardians, Kitsune served 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 t...

Japanese 18th century Edo age seated Dainichi-nyorei Buddha. Lacquered and gilded wood. Hands carved beautifully.
(stand and screen are not included)

Edo Period C. 1700's

height 20.5" width 13" length 16.5"

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. It is believed that Inari ...

Very rare and unusual wood tiled village shrine from Dema - mura village in Mie Province. Dated the year of the tiger C.1818 the shrine houses gods and happiness. Signed on the back with the date and maker, Fujiwara Shokichi. Cypress wood with a bronze lock on the doors to the inner chamber. Remarkably good condition with minor wear on the back ridge of the roof. See Pictures. Ask for shipping rates.

Sculpture of Shomen Kongo, standing with 6 arms, holding ghanta and sword, bow and arrow, halberd and chakra. Shomen Kongo protects against demons and diseases. Wood stained black, with metal parts. Japan, Edo period, shortly after 1800.
H ca. 11 inches.
Sword missing, few traces of usage. All in all very good condition.

Japanese antique Bugaku theatre mask for Genjoraku dance. The imperial court dance has been performed for over 12 hundred years. During the Edo Period, the dance was performed as part of shrine festivals to celebrate prosperity and peace. This mask is carved of wood with a moveable jaw. It has traces of red and colorful pigments. Mounted on a metal stand.
Provenance: From the Collection of Sandra Miller, New York.

Age: Edo Period (c. 1800's)

Dimensions: 14" high ...

Small flat Buddhist shrine, constructed as a triptych. When open, the middle section houses Amida Nyorai in raised carving, sitting on a lotus throne under a baldachin and surrounded by clouds. On the left panel Seishi bosatsu with his hands folded in prayer, on the right panel Kannon bosatsu with the lotus in his hands. Both bodhisattva surrounded by clouds as well. Sandalwood with details of garment and baldachin in gold. Background in lapis blue.
The outside decorated in makie: A lotus...

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.

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)...

Masterpiece large bronze kannon bodhisattva buddhist deity. Standing 27" tall by 9" wide. This Ca.1925 bronze deity has a wonderful tranquil, calming expression. Holding the heart sutra scroll. Great condition. Ask for shipping quote rom CA warehouse.

An antique Japanese Kannon Bosatsu (Kwan-Yin, Guanyin) large Buddhist wood statue. Depicting the Goddess of compassion, mercy and kindness she hears the suffering souls of the world using her hands to help save them through their misfortunes. With Amida Buddha atop her head overseeing and assisting her actions, she has 11 heads surrounding her crown to hear those in pain and suffering. Her manifestation of 20 hands and arms occurred when her two arms broke apart in trying to help all those in...

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

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.

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...

Small antique Japanese lacquer zushi (personal shrine) with tiny carved wooden bodhisattva inside. The standing figure inside is painted black and gold. The exterior of the zushi is lacquered black and the inside is painted a deep green with delicate gold details. Tiny copper hardware.

Dimensions: 4" high x 3 1/2" wide (opened)

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.

An antique gilt bronze Buddhist tower finial with three pierced flame flanges richly engraved with scrolling vines mounted on a hardwood pedestal It is 53 cm tall and in overall excellent condition.

A Rare Spirit Stone (Ishikami), Natural Rootwood Embracing Stone. A unique creation of Mother Nature with minor modification to the root wood grown around a stone to emulate a standing Daruma, the Patriarch of Zen Buddhism wrapped in his robe. These kind of quite rare “spirit stones”are always been highly appreciated by the Japanese. Very good, old patina; it has a very pleasant feeling to the touch. Edo, 18-19th century. H 10,5 cm. Condition: Perfect.

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 ...

Japanese four prong Vajra or diamond thunderbolt form Chisakuin Temple, bronze with worn gilt, Edo age (over 200 years old). Very powerful ritual tool representing firmness of spirit and spiritual power. Worn gilt on one side, all over relief, double sided with lotus flower in center, trident prongs emerging from the four cardinal directions. Size: 6 1/8" long

Small round zushi consisting of two parts. The outside of both are covered in nashiji lacquer. On the inside of the one part in relief is carved in fine detail the image of Bishamonten holding a trident and a pagoda, subduing two demons. Inside the cover sits Benzaiten playing the biwa.
Bishamon and Benten are two of the seven gods of good fortune (shichifukujin), but they each hold a position in the Buddhist pantheon, as well.
Both images in plain, unpainted camphor wood.

Jap...

A pair of antique Japanese Baku corbels hand caraved from solid Keyaki wood. Rare flaming mane design adds a dragon-like fear to wore off evil spirits. Used under the eaves of Japanese temples and shrines, they devour dreams and nightmares as they protect against evil. The open mouth Baku expels all evil while the closed mouth Baku retains the good spirit.

Age: Edo Period (1750-1800)

Dimensions: Approximately 25" Long by 16" High by 10 1/2" Wide

Small altar ("zushi" in Japanese) made of wood, lacquered in black outside, gilt inside. The locking system as well as the hinges are made of beautifully decorated bronze. The altar contains a gilt wood statue of Buddha sitting cross-legged in meditation posture on an elevated throne backed by an aureola. Japan, 19th century. Total height: 8" (20,5 cm). Flaked lacquer at the base, otherwise very good condition.

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...

Large incense burner made for a Buddhist temple. Square format with beautiful curves and two handles on the upper rim. Cast bronze with brown patina (sentoku), the shoulder decorated with butterflies in the clouds, done in gold and silver nunome zogan and silver wire inlay.

Japan, Edo period, 19th century

H 8.5 x W 11.75 x 11.5 in.

Unfortunately badly abused as a planter, causing water damage on the patina on the outside, and with numerous small and unobtrusive dents. Some o...

Serene 17th Century Japanese standing gold gilt Amida Buddha. Original gold gifting layered over beautifully hand carved gently wood. The buddha stands upon its original lotus base in which both feet sit and slot into the base. The golden rays rises from behind rising in all directions. Carved at a very high level with detail seen down to the smallest touch. In all, there are three removable section. Stunning natural patina that has age very well with Temple incense.

Edo Perio...

A fascinating Japanese shrine bell known as, Waniguchi, or directly translated as Crocodile's mouth, which resembles the wide mouth of a crocodile. The bell is usually found in shinto shrines that enshrine deities that were imported to Japan or Shingon temples. The bell contains an inscription stating that the bell was originally donated by the ancestors of the donor in 1686 and a new bell was rededicated in 1839. The bell appears to be dedicated to Sometani Shinbei. Age: Late Edo Period, 1839. ...

Antique Japanese cast iron figure of Bishamonten, chief of the Four Heavenly Kings and guardian of the north. Dressed for war, he stands on the back of an evil spirit. He holds a club in his right hand in association with his role as guardian. In his left hand, he holds a small pagoda representing the divine treasure house alluding to his association with wealth and good fortune. This sculpture is signed by Sekino Seiun (1889-1947)

Bishamonten is also sometimes called Tamonten,...

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...

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 ...

Edo Period Portable Wood Buddhist Shrine with Exquisite Carving. 17h x 12w inches, 43h x 30.5w cm. In Buddhism, portable shrines were made so that devout travelers with nowhere to worship could carry their shrines with them. The shrines were made with closing doors, to preserve the artwork. This shrine features exquisitely carved deities and finely lacquered details.

Late Meiji (1890s to 1912) Japanese copper and brass temple decoration in a shape of a lotus seedpod and petals. Was used as a temple wall or pedestal decoration. Beautifully made, in excellent condition with great patina. Length 4.62 inches. 19c Japanese copper / brassLOTUS TEMPLE DECORATION

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.

Large Japanese antique processional temple cart, base made of keyaki (elm) wood with copper hardware, drum is also made of keyaki wood with a large brass rooster on top, wonderful condition (wheels roll!), lovely carving and lacquer detail, unusual and striking! Meiji/ Taisho Period (early 20th century). Size: 90" high x 69" long x 42 1/2" deep.

Zushi or Japanese traveling shrine made of lacquered wood, Meiji period (1868 - 1912), the interior decorated in gold with carved and nicely painted Buddhist figure inside. The gold gilded copper hinges and fittings are engraved with extreme details.
MEASUREMENTS: Height 8 inches (20 cm).
CONDITION: The gilding appears to be intact except for wear on doors and around hinges, some of the red paint on the outside of the shrine, at the base has peeled.
Catalog Number: J17...

Unusual Japanese Buddhist Zushi with dark, lacquered wood exterior and gilt interior. Enshrined in this portable altar is the statue of Buddha seated on a lotus. His two attendants are sitting on a dragon and fox. The double doors and roof top are decorated with scrolling gilt metal work.

Buddhist traveling altars and shrines create a sacred space of spiritual magnetism and are the product of dedicated craftsmanship. Traveling monks were required to have their own prayer tables and ot...