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Edo-Period Gilt Wood Buddhist Zushi Shrine — Myoo Gyokugan Glass Eyes Fierce Guardian Deity Devotional Figure
Edo-Period Gilt Wood Buddhist Zushi Shrine — Myoo Gyokugan Glass Eyes Fierce Guardian Deity Devotional Figure
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Edo-Period Gilt Wood Buddhist Zushi Shrine — Fierce Guardian Deity Figure
This Edo-period Buddhist zushi shrine is carved in wood and finished with a gilt interior, housing a single fierce guardian-type figure rendered with expressive facial features and a compact, disciplined stance. The architectural enclosure frames the figure as a focused devotional presence rather than a decorative sculpture.
Zushi shrines function as private sanctuaries—portable devotional architectures intended for household veneration or temple-adjacent practice. The hinged doors and gold-toned interior draw the viewer inward, reinforcing the shrine’s ritual purpose and spiritual gravity.
Visible wear, lacquer loss, cracking, insect traces, and surface abrasions are consistent with age and prolonged devotional use. These elements affirm authenticity as a lived religious object rather than a later reproduction.
Who is this deity?
The figure represents a fierce guardian-type deity within Buddhist tradition. Exact identification cannot be confirmed due to age-related wear and the absence of inscriptions; however, such figures broadly symbolize protection, vigilance, and the safeguarding of sacred space.
While specific identification (such as a named Myoo or temple guardian) cannot be confirmed due to surface wear and the absence of inscriptions, the iconography strongly supports interpretation as a protective deity associated with vigilance, moral restraint, and boundary defense. This attribution is presented as informed scholarly context rather than definitive claim.
Collector Relevance
Single-figure zushi shrines with intact doors and original devotional presence are increasingly scarce. This example offers strong sculptural character, architectural integrity, and ritual intensity, appealing to collectors of Buddhist art and Japanese religious artifacts.
Collector’s Resonance
This shrine will resonate with collectors drawn to objects that embody protective symbolism and lived spiritual discipline rather than purely decorative serenity.
Condition
Wear, lacquer loss, cracking, insect traces, abrasions, and surface losses consistent with age and use.
Dimensions
Approx. Height 37.3 cm × Width 15.7 cm × Depth 11.5 cm
Confidence & Verification Notes
Attribution is based on stylistic and iconographic analysis. No inscriptions or documentation accompany the piece. All descriptions are provided in good-faith scholarly language.
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.
