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Showa Era (1969 / Showa 44) Gilt Polychrome Wooden Nichiren Shonin Zushi Shrine — Funatsu Workshop Attribution
Showa Era (1969 / Showa 44) Gilt Polychrome Wooden Nichiren Shonin Zushi Shrine — Funatsu Workshop Attribution
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Showa Era Gilt Polychrome Nichiren Shonin Zushi Shrine
This portable Buddhist shrine (zushi) dates to Showa 44 (1969) and houses a seated image of Nichiren Shonin, founder of the Nichiren Buddhist tradition. The sculpture is executed in polychrome wood with applied gilding, housed within a black-lacquered shrine with a fully gilt architectural interior.
The zushi structure reflects classical altar proportions inspired by earlier Edo-period models, while the carving style and materials firmly place production in the postwar Showa era. This type of object was intended for private household worship rather than institutional temple display.
It features a black-lacquered exterior with gilt interior architecture, evoking Edo-period altar geometry while remaining firmly modern in manufacture. The interior stage, balustrades, and canopy show careful proportional discipline, intended to visually elevate the figure rather than overwhelm it.
Nichiren Shonin is depicted in calm seated posture, conveying doctrinal authority and inward resolve. Facial modeling is gentle yet composed, aligning with mid-20th-century devotional aesthetics rather than dramatic Kamakura expressiveness. The surface shows honest age, handling wear, and scattered losses to fittings, consistent with prolonged household use.
Importantly, this is not a temple-commissioned heirloom, but a lay devotional object — designed for private worship, memorial placement, or altar integration. Such zushi pieces are increasingly scarce due to declining domestic Buddhist practice.
The figure presents a composed and meditative expression, emphasizing doctrinal authority and spiritual calm. Surface wear, losses to metal fittings, and missing components are present, consistent with age and devotional use. These elements are not concealed and form part of the object’s historical record.
Condition
- Overall age-related wear and surface abrasions
- Losses to door fittings and internal glass components
- Unidentified missing parts
- No structural instability observed
Dimensions
- Zushi: W 32 cm × D 20.5 cm × H 44.5 cm
- Seated figure only: W 10.5 cm × D 8 cm × H 11 cm
This item is sold as-is, with no restoration performed. Please review all images carefully prior to purchase.
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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 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.
