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Japanese Sanbo-son (Three Buddhas) Altar Ensemble with Wooden Zushi Shrine, Edo Period Temple Installation (Antique, 100+ Years)

Japanese Sanbo-son (Three Buddhas) Altar Ensemble with Wooden Zushi Shrine, Edo Period Temple Installation (Antique, 100+ Years)

$24,285.00 USD
$24,285.00 USD
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Japanese Sanbo-son (Three Buddhas) Altar Ensemble

This work is a complete Japanese Buddhist shrine ensemble (zushi) housing a Sanbo-son group (Three Sacred Buddhas), carved in wood and preserved together within its original shrine cabinet. The figures are arranged in a frontal devotional configuration, with the central Buddha flanked symmetrically by attendant Buddhas, forming a unified Pure Land–related triad.

Each figure is individually carved and originally gilt, with remaining traces of gold visible across surfaces now darkened by age and handling. The sculptural style reflects Edo-period provincial temple production, prioritizing doctrinal clarity and devotional function over courtly refinement.

The wooden shrine cabinet is constructed with hinged doors and an arched roofline, finished with interior gilding. Wear, losses, and surface degradation are evident throughout, consistent with long-term temple use and later storage. Despite condition issues, the survival of the figures together with their housing significantly enhances historical and documentary value.

Sanbo-son triads were installed in temples and memorial halls, serving as focal points for communal and ancestral worship. These ensembles were not designed for separation; their integrity as a group is essential to their meaning and use.

Overall condition is poor, with damage, losses, and instability present. This ensemble should be approached as a restoration or institutional study piece rather than a decorative object. Conservation planning and professional handling are strongly advised.

What is Sanbōson?

Sanbōson means “The Three Treasures” in Buddhism.
It refers to the three foundations of Buddhist faith, shown together as one sacred group.

The Three Treasures (Sanbō)

  1. Butsu (the Buddha)
    The enlightened one (for example: Shaka Nyorai, Amida Nyorai)

  2. Hō (the Dharma / Buddhist teachings)
    The truth and teachings revealed by the Buddha

  3. Sō (the Sangha / Buddhist community)
    The monks and practitioners who preserve and practice the teachings

Sanbōson represents the idea that Buddhism is complete only when all three exist together.

What is a Sanbōson Buddha image?

A Sanbōson butsuzō is a set of three figures arranged as one sacred composition:

  • Usually one main Buddha in the center

  • Two accompanying figures on the left and right

  • The trio symbolically represents Butsu–Hō–Sō

They appear as:

  • Sculpted Buddhist statues

  • Hanging scrolls (Buddhist paintings)

  • Temple main icons or home altar objects

Key Facts

  • Object type: Buddhist altar ensemble with shrine cabinet
  • Material: Carved wood with traces of gilding
  • Dimensions: Approx. H46.6 × W41.2 × D32.3 cm
  • Period: Edo period
  • Condition: Overall poor; losses and damage present
  • Customs: HS Code 9706.00 | Country of Origin: Japan

Shipping & Logistics

  • Safe packed weight: ~25–30 kg
  • Shipping method: Freight or specialized courier recommended

Confidence & Verification Notes

Dating and identification are based on seller description and visual assessment and should be treated as approximate. This ensemble is best preserved and studied as a complete unit.

Curatorial note: Shrine ensembles with multiple figures require careful stabilization and conservation planning.

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Explore the Collection

To browse related sacred works and Buddhist articles curated under the same standards, explore our Buddhist Statues & Sacred Art collection.

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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 sacred 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 Buddhist statues, sacred art, and spiritual artifacts. 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.

Curatorial note: Large altar ensembles require institutional-level handling, conservation planning, and controlled environments.

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