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Edo‑Period Zushi Shrine with Benzaiten Statue | Gilt Wood, Painted Interior Panels | Portable Buddhist Shrine | Japan
Edo‑Period Zushi Shrine with Benzaiten Statue | Gilt Wood, Painted Interior Panels | Portable Buddhist Shrine | Japan
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Edo‑Period Zushi Shrine with Benzaiten Statue | Gilt Wood, Painted Interior Panels
This Edo‑period portable Buddhist shrine (zushi) enshrines a finely carved wooden image of Benzaiten, one of the Seven Lucky Deities of Japan. Executed in gilt wood with softly aged pigments, the figure rests within a lacquered shrine whose interior doors are hand‑painted with auspicious floral motifs.
Benzaiten is revered as the goddess of wisdom, eloquence, music, and flowing water. Within Japanese Buddhism, her worship bridges esoteric Buddhist traditions with Shinto beliefs, making her one of the most widely venerated household deities of the Edo period.
The shrine’s interior panel paintings were executed directly onto the wooden doors, a labor‑intensive technique reserved for devotional objects rather than export wares. The gentle wear, surface patina, and softened gilding are consistent with long‑term private worship.
Compact in scale and balanced in proportion, this zushi was designed for domestic altar use rather than temple display. It represents an authentic expression of Edo‑period Buddhist practice, preserved in honest, unrestored condition.
Measurements (approx.)
- Zushi height: 15.8 cm
- Statue height: 12.6 cm
- Interior depth: approx. 7.8 cm
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.
