Tríada de altar con figura de Nichiren de madera pintada a mano, santuario budista de laca dorada, finales del periodo Edo–principios del Meiji

An intimate household icon of the Nichiren sect: a hand-painted wooden figure of Saint Nichiren, seated in formal teaching posture before a gilded triad altar crowned with lotus aureoles. Made for private lay worship in the late Edo to early Meiji period, it keeps its original surfaces, wear and patina untouched by modern repainting.

The Piece

This Nichiren-sect Buddhist altar set presents a dignified seated figure of Saint Nichiren before an elaborate triad-style altar shrine. Executed in carved wood with layered lacquer and gold ornamentation, the altar displays classical lotus-backed mandorla forms and tiered architectural framing consistent with late Edo to early Meiji period household worship objects.

The figure is finely hand-painted and sits in formal teaching posture on a striped cushion dais. Facial expression, robe folds and posture convey doctrinal authority balanced with human presence, hallmarks of Nichiren devotional imagery intended for private lay worship rather than temple-scale display.

Behind the figure, the richly gilded triad structure offers three sacred niches crowned by lotus-shaped aureoles. Visible wood grain in areas of the rear panel indicates original construction rather than modern refinishing, an important marker for collectors of period Buddhist furnishings.

The piece came directly from a private household rather than through a dealer restoration pipeline. Its surface wear, patina and tonal variation remain intact, offering an unfiltered example of lived religious history rather than decorative revival. It suits collectors of Japanese Buddhist art and devotional objects.

Details

• Era: Late Edo to early Meiji period (circa 19th century)
• Origin: Japan
• Material: Carved wood with lacquer, gold leaf and hand-painted polychrome
• Measurements: Triad altar approx. 212 × 155 × 52 mm · Nichiren figure approx. 116 × 94 × 64 mm
• Iconography: Saint Nichiren seated in teaching posture on a striped cushion dais; triad altar with three niches and lotus-shaped aureoles
• Provenance: Private household

Condition

• Visible age wear consistent with period use; structurally stable.
• Minor surface wear and patina, with tonal variation left intact.
• No modern repainting observed; wood grain visible in areas of the rear panel.

Authenticity & Care

Exact dating cannot be conclusively established without scientific testing; the period attribution rests on stylistic analysis, materials and wear patterns consistent with known examples, and visible rear-panel wood grain points to original construction. Every piece is examined and documented in Japan before dispatch and is offered with the Japonista authenticity guarantee.

Delivery from Japan

Packed by hand in Japan and shipped insured and tracked by EMS or an equivalent express service. Import duties and taxes, where applicable, are payable on arrival. Returns follow our published policy.

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