Otani-ha Black Lacquer and Gold Butsudan, Multi-Tier Guden Sanctuary, Deadstock Upper Domestic Class, 130 cm

Behind a sober black lacquer exterior lies a radiant gold interior, every tier aligned to a single devotional axis. Built in the guden format for Otani-ha Shinshu practice and kept in unused display condition, this altar is complete household architecture at a manageable 130 cm.

The Piece

This altar is domestic Buddhist architecture, executed as a multi-tier guden sanctuary for Otani-ha Shinshu practice. It functions as a complete interior shrine rather than as furniture.

The black lacquer exterior forms a restrained architectural shell; opened, the interior reveals a gold sanctum organized around a clear devotional axis. The upper sanctum is an elevated devotional chamber aligned to the principal axis, vertical emphasis guides focus inward and upward, staged offering platforms receive incense, light and flowers, and the lower tier integrates storage and structural ballast into the architecture.

At approximately 130 cm in height, the altar belongs to the upper domestic shrine class, offering full architectural logic at a manageable scale. Wood construction, black lacquer, gold interior treatment, relief ornament and metal fittings at structural and visual nodes work together as one craft system.

It is an altar for stewards rather than decorators: a complete Shinshu domestic sanctuary whose architecture remains legible even before it is lived with. Installed once, it becomes a generational anchor capable of holding ritual continuity for decades.

Details

• Line: Otani-ha (Jodo Shinshu); guden-style multi-tier butsudan
• Material: Wood construction; black lacquer exterior; gold interior surface treatment; relief ornament and metal fittings
• Color: Black lacquer exterior, gold sanctum
• Measurements: Total height approx. 130.0 cm · Width (max) approx. 58.2 cm · Depth approx. 47.3 cm
• Class: Upper domestic shrine class

Condition

Japonista grade S · Unworn or as new, complete with original packaging.

• Unused display condition (deadstock), surfaces and fittings retaining clarity consistent with controlled storage.
• Preservation: controlled handling, humidity stability, gentle dust management, and no direct sunlight or heat sources near lacquer and gilt surfaces.

Freight & Crating

Because of its height, mass and architectural fragility, the altar travels by cargo or freight with professional crating rather than by standard parcel services such as EMS or express couriers. Crating, reinforced packing and coordination with freight consolidators and export brokers mean delivery typically takes 6 to 10 weeks, depending on routing, carrier availability and customs clearance. Part of the expected freight cost may be reflected in the price; any difference is quoted separately once destination and handling requirements are confirmed, and a customized quotation is recommended before purchase.

• Weight estimates: net 70–95 kg; crated 130–180 kg
• Crate approx. 155 × 95 × 95 cm
• Insurance recommended at replacement value
• Estimated US landed cost (Japan transport, export crating, ocean LCL freight, port clearance and inland delivery): approx. $4,500–$7,330 USD
• HS code guidance: 9403.60 (other wooden furniture); brokers' alternates 9403.89 and 4420.10; final selection confirmed with the customs broker at shipment

Authenticity & Care

Sect alignment and guden form follow Otani-ha Shinshu standards, and the black lacquer exterior with gold sanctum follows Pure Land visual convention; dating is conservative and stylistic only, with no period claimed without documentation. Every piece is examined and documented in Japan before dispatch and is offered with the Japonista authenticity guarantee.

Delivery from Japan

Crated in Japan and shipped insured by air or sea freight. A freight quote is confirmed with you before dispatch through our Museum-Grade Logistics Suite™. Import duties and taxes, where applicable, are payable on arrival. Returns follow our published policy.

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