Rare Vintage, Antiques and Art Collector / Curator / Personal Shopper From Japan
Edo-Meiji Period Amida Nyorai with Kannon Bosatsu and Seishi Bosatsu Triad (Zenko-ji style) Zushi Portable Shrine
Edo-Meiji Period Amida Nyorai with Kannon Bosatsu and Seishi Bosatsu Triad (Zenko-ji style) Zushi Portable Shrine
Couldn't load pickup availability
Have a reasonable price in mind? Submit your best offer and our concierge will review it personally.
This exceptional Buddhist shrine represents the Zenko-ji–style Amida Triad, a highly distinctive iconographic form revered within Japanese Pure Land traditions. Unlike conventional triads where Amida Nyorai stands independently between Kannon and Seishi, the Zenko-ji type unifies all three deities within a single radiant mandorla, symbolizing Amida’s boundless compassion manifesting simultaneously through wisdom and mercy.
At the center stands Amida Nyorai, Buddha of Infinite Light, flanked by Kannon Bosatsu (Avalokiteshvara), embodiment of compassion, and Seishi Bosatsu (Mahasthamaprapta), embodiment of wisdom. The triad is carved in wood, finished with lacquer and gilt, and housed within a black-lacquered zushi with gold-leaf interior doors. The halo panel is densely populated with miniature Amida figures, an advanced sculptural device associated with Zenko-ji devotion and salvation-for-all iconography.
This form originates from the famous concealed honzon of Zenko-ji in Nagano, believed to grant universal salvation regardless of sect or status. Zushi examples of this scale were typically commissioned by temples or affluent households, reflecting both deep faith and significant patronage.
ICONOGRAPHIC SIGNIFICANCE
The Zenko-ji Amida Triad represents a theological synthesis in which Amida, Kannon, and Seishi are inseparable manifestations of enlightenment. The surrounding miniature Amida figures symbolize infinite rebirths and universal salvation, a visual sermon carved in three dimensions.
Such compositions are rare compared to standard Amida triads and are particularly sought after by collectors focused on doctrinal depth rather than decorative appeal alone.
OBJECT DETAILS
Object Type:
Buddhist Zushi Shrine with Amida Triad
Deity:
Amida Nyorai with Kannon Bosatsu and Seishi Bosatsu (Zenko-ji style)
Material:
Carved wood with lacquer and gilt finish
Estimated Period:
Late Edo to Meiji period (19th century)
Construction:
Multi-figure sculptural group with unified mandorla
Black lacquer zushi with gold-leaf interior
Measurements
Overall Zushi:
Height: approx. 69 cm
Width: approx. 42 cm
Depth: approx. 30 cm
Interior Shrine Space:
Height: approx. 56 cm
Width: approx. 30 cm
Depth: approx. 18 cm
Central Amida Figure:
Body height: approx. 26 cm
Attendant Figures:
Body height: approx. 18 cm each
Material & Technique
- Carved wood with gilt finish
- Lacquered shrine
- Hand‑painted interior panels
Condition
Age‑appropriate wear including surface rubbing, small losses to pigment, lacquer wear, and interior panel aging. No modern restoration observed.
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.
