K24 Yellow Gold Miniature Seated Buddha in Zushi Shrine — Fine Gold 26.6g — Japanese Devotional Object

Overview & Cultural Context

This miniature seated Buddha, rendered in K24 yellow gold and housed within a traditional wooden zushi shrine, represents a refined intersection of Japanese devotional practice, precious-metal craftsmanship, and private spiritual observance. Unlike monumental temple sculptures intended for public worship, works of this scale were created for intimate settings—family altars, personal prayer rooms, or discreet devotional spaces—where proximity encouraged daily contemplation and continuity of faith.

The Buddha figure itself is executed in fine gold (K24), a material historically reserved for objects of exceptional reverence. Gold, within Buddhist material culture, symbolizes imperishability, enlightenment, and the incorruptible nature of awakened wisdom. The restrained yet precise modeling emphasizes serenity over ornamentation, allowing material purity and proportion to carry the visual authority of the figure.

Encasing the figure is a zushi—a portable or household shrine traditionally crafted from wood and designed to protect sacred images when not in use. The presence of the zushi transforms the object from a standalone sculpture into a complete devotional system, reinforcing ritual privacy, respect, and controlled presentation. When opened, the shrine frames the Buddha as a focal point; when closed, it preserves sanctity and physical condition.

At just over 26 grams of fine gold, this work balances rarity with discretion. It is neither ornamental jewelry nor mass-produced religious decor, but a deliberate devotional object created for long-term stewardship. The SA condition rating indicates minimal to no signs of use, reinforcing its suitability for both collection and active reverence.

Material & Technique

The Buddha figure is executed in fine K24 gold, a material historically reserved for objects of exceptional reverence. Precision modeling and surface clarity reflect careful control rather than decorative excess..

WHY THIS WORK IS COLLECTED

• Fine-gold Buddhist images of this scale are increasingly scarce due to material value and declining traditional production.
• Zushi-contained devotional objects appeal to collectors seeking completeness and ritual authenticity.
• K24 gold ensures intrinsic material value alongside spiritual and cultural significance.
• Private-scale Buddhist icons are highly sought after by collectors of Japanese religious art who value intimacy over monumentality.

KEY FACTS:

Object Type: Miniature seated Buddha with zushi shrine
Material: K24 yellow gold (Buddha figure), wood (zushi)
Total Weight (gold): approx. 26.6 g
Dimensions (Buddha):
- Height: approx. 2.7 cm
- Width: approx. 1.9 cm
- Depth: approx. 1.7 cm
Condition: SA (near unused, exceptionally clean)
Accessories: Wooden zushi case included
Category: Japanese Buddhist devotional object

Devotional Function

The wooden zushi shrine frames the figure during worship and protects it when closed, reinforcing ritual respect and long-term stewardship.

Collector Relevance

Private-scale gold Buddhist icons with intact zushi are increasingly scarce and valued for their intimacy, completeness, and material integrity.

Shipping & Handling

Professional packing and insured courier shipment are required due to precious metal content and collector-grade condition.

Confidence & Verification

Attribution is based on material characteristics, seller disclosure, and consistency with Japanese devotional goldwork. The piece is cataloged with curatorial confidence.

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.