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Edo-Period Attributed Bishamonten in Portable Zushi Shrine — Polychrome & Giltwood Guardian King, Temple-Grade Japanese Buddhist Sculpture
Edo-Period Attributed Bishamonten in Portable Zushi Shrine — Polychrome & Giltwood Guardian King, Temple-Grade Japanese Buddhist Sculpture
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Edo-Period Attributed Bishamonten in Portable Zushi Shrine — Polychrome & Giltwood Guardian King, Temple-Grade Japanese Buddhist Sculpture
Portable zushi shrine with an attributed Bishamonten guardian figure — polychrome and giltwood, with authentic age and presence.
Why this object matters
A portable shrine is not only a container — it is a stage for presence. This zushi houses an attributed Bishamonten, the armored guardian king revered for protection, resolve, and righteous strength. The figure’s calm authority is heightened by the shrine’s warm, gilded interior: doors opened like a small private sanctuary, meant to be encountered up close, in quiet.
Material, finish, and visual character
Carved in wood and finished with polychrome and gilt accents, the sculpture shows honest age: softened edges, areas of pigment loss, and the kind of surface history collectors prefer because it confirms lived time rather than modern imitation. As an object, it belongs equally to the world of devotional art and to the collector’s cabinet — a compact monument with temple lineage in its visual language.
Who is Bishamonten?
Bishamonten is a protector deity associated with safeguarding, victory, and prosperous fortune. In Japanese Buddhist iconography, he is counted among the Shitenno (Four Heavenly Kings), guardians of the Dharma. Collectors often seek Bishamonten for his unmistakable “guardian energy” — a presence that reads instantly in a space without relying on ornament or sentimentality.
Condition and integrity notes
Condition is consistent with age and use. Expect scuffs, grime, cracks, chips, pigment flaking, prior repair traces, and some missing components. The shrine doors may not fully close due to distortion in the gilded surfaces, and additional flaking can occur in transit despite careful packing. The tea whisk shown in photos is for scale only and is not included.
Approximate dimensions
- Figure: H 23.2 cm; W 10.5 cm; D 5.6 cm
- Zushi: H 33 cm; W 14.7 cm; D 9.7 cm
- Weight (item): approx. 0.814 kg
Curator’s Note: If you collect Japanese Buddhist sculpture, this is the kind of piece that anchors a shelf — small enough to live with daily, substantial enough to feel “real” the moment it arrives.
Authenticity & Stewardship
Evaluated under the Japonista Authentication Framework™:
- Material, carving, and surface-study comparison
- Iconographic and stylistic verification
- Condition and stability review (surface integrity)
- Construction assessment and handling-risk evaluation
Guaranteed 100% Authentic. Covered by the Japonista Lifetime Authenticity Warranty™.
A Note on Stewardship and Collecting
At Japonista, we approach Buddhist statues, sacred images, and ritual objects not merely as collectibles, but as cultural and spiritual artifacts deserving of respect, understanding, and careful presentation. Every piece we offer is thoughtfully examined, researched, and curated with sensitivity to its origin, meaning, and historical role.
Our role is not only to offer access to rare and meaningful objects, but to serve as responsible custodians—connecting the right works with collectors who value depth, intention, and authenticity.
Inquiries, Availability, and Private Consideration
Some of the cultural and heritage works may allow room for discussion, while others are held firmly due to rarity, condition, or cultural importance. All inquiries are reviewed personally and discreetly, and we welcome thoughtful questions or expressions of interest.
If you are exploring a particular theme, deity, lineage, or period—or seeking guidance in building a focused collection—our concierge team is always available to assist with quiet expertise and care.
Concierge Support & Collector Guidance
Japonista Concierge™ provides personalized assistance for collectors seeking deeper understanding, thoughtful acquisition, or long-term curation strategies. Whether your interest is devotional, scholarly, or aesthetic, we are here to help guide your journey with clarity and respect.
For select high-value or historically significant works, private reservation or structured payment arrangements may be available on a case-by-case basis. Please reach out to discuss eligibility and discreet options.
Before Proceeding
We kindly encourage collectors to review our shop policies and house guidelines, available through the links in our website footer, which outline shipping, handling, and conditions specific to vintage, sacred, and collectible works.
A Closing Note
Thank you for exploring Japonista’s collection of Oriental Cultural Heritage and arts. We are honored to share these meaningful works and to help place them where they may continue to be appreciated, studied, and respected.
If you have questions or wish to explore related works, please feel free to contact Japonista Concierge™ at any time.
