Rare Vintage, Antiques and Art Collector / Curator / Personal Shopper From Japan
Deadstock Otani-ha Gold Butsudan Altar Cabinet — Two-Tier Guden Architecture, Black Lacquer Exterior & Gold Sanctum (Approx. 161 cm) — Estate-Scale Domestic Shrine
Deadstock Otani-ha Gold Butsudan Altar Cabinet — Two-Tier Guden Architecture, Black Lacquer Exterior & Gold Sanctum (Approx. 161 cm) — Estate-Scale Domestic Shrine
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Curatorial Overview
This altar is domestic Buddhist architecture, executed in a two-tier guden (palace-style) format for Otani-ha Shinshu practice. It functions as a complete interior sanctuary rather than furniture, intended for permanent placement and long-term ritual continuity.
The black lacquer exterior forms a restrained shell, while the interior opens into a luminous gold sanctum. Layered platforms, symmetrical vertical alignment, and a resolved central axis mirror temple interior logic at household scale.
At approximately 161 cm in height, this altar belongs to the estate-scale domestic and temple-annex class. The upper sanctum supports the principal devotional focus, while the lower tier integrates storage and structural ballast.
Construction combines wood structure, lacquer finishing, gold interior treatment, relief ornamentation, and metal fittings. Due to architectural fragility, professional crating and cargo-grade logistics are required.
Dimensions
- Total height: approx. 161.0 cm
- Width (max): approx. 66.0 cm
- Depth: approx. 55.5 cm
Architectural Structure & Ritual Logic
- Upper sanctum: elevated devotional chamber aligned to the principal axis
- Central hierarchy: vertical emphasis guiding focus inward and upward
- Offering platforms: staged ritual surfaces for incense, light, and flowers
- Lower tier: continuity storage and structural ballast integrated into the architecture
Materials & Craft
- Wood construction (structural body)
- Black lacquer exterior finish
- Gold interior surface treatment
- Relief ornament and metal fittings at structural and visual nodes
Condition & Preservation
The altar presents in unused display condition, with surfaces, fittings, and interior elements exhibiting clarity consistent with controlled storage. Lacquer and gold surfaces appear intact, with no visible compromise to structural geometry.
Preservation priorities: controlled handling (avoid shock), humidity stability, gentle dust management with non-abrasive materials, and avoidance of direct sunlight and heat sources near lacquer and gilt surfaces.
Shipping & Logistics (Cargo-Only)
Due to height, mass, and architectural fragility, this altar is designated for cargo-only logistics with professional crating.
- Japan domestic transport:
- Export crating & handling:
- International ocean LCL freight:
- US port + clearance + inland delivery:
- Total estimated US landed cost: ≈ $6,800 – $9,330 USD
Weight & crate estimates: net 90–120 kg; crated 160–220 kg; crate approx. 140 x 85 x 100 cm. Insurance recommended at replacement value.
HS Code Guidance
- Primary HS code: 9403.60 (Other wooden furniture)
- Alternates used by brokers: 9403.89; 4420.10
Final HS selection should be confirmed with the customs broker at time of shipment.
Collector’s Resonance
This altar is suited for stewards seeking a complete, uncompromised Shinshu domestic sanctuary. Its unused condition and full-height architecture allow it to function as a generational anchor—an interior sacred structure capable of absorbing ritual life over decades without aesthetic or structural compromise.
Confidence & Verification Notes
- Sect alignment and guden form are consistent with Otani-ha Shinshu standards.
- Dimensions reflect a fully resolved estate-scale altar.
- Gold interior treatment aligns with Pure Land visual doctrine.
- Dating posture is conservative and stylistic only; no period claims asserted without documentation.
Cargo Shipping & Handling Notice
Due to the final packaged weight and/or dimensional requirements of this piece, standard parcel services such as Japan Post EMS, DHL, FedEx, or UPS are not applicable. This item will be shipped via cargo or freight-based shipping methods.
Cargo shipments require additional preparation time to ensure proper handling, which may include custom crating, reinforced packing, coordination with domestic logistics providers, and scheduling with international freight consolidators and export brokers. As a result, estimated delivery timelines typically range from 6 to 10 weeks, depending on routing, carrier availability, and customs clearance procedures in the destination country.
Please note that actual shipping costs may differ from automated shipping calculator estimates. By default, a portion of the expected shipping cost may be reflected in the listing price. Any difference or discrepancy will be quoted separately once destination, delivery method, and handling requirements are confirmed.
We kindly ask that collectors contact us prior to purchase to request an exact, customized shipping quotation for their destination. This ensures full transparency and allows us to arrange the most appropriate, secure, and efficient shipping solution for this piece.
Thank you for your understanding and patience as we take the necessary care to deliver this work safely.
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.
