Page 174 - Fine Japanese Art October 28, 2020 Galerie Zacke

157 | A LACQUERED WOOD TRAVELING SHRINE,
ZUSHI, WITH MYOKEN BOSATSU
Japan, Momoyama (1573-1615) to early Edo period (1615-1868)

The exterior of the shrine coated in black lacquer with finely incised,
ornate copper-gilt fittings with katakiri bori foliate motifs. The
reverse of the doors shows a rinza motif in gilt kirigane on gold leaf,
which is repeated in carved wood on the arch.

The interior reveals an intricately carved figure of Myoken Bosatsu,
a Buddhist Japanese manifestation of the Chinese god of literature
Kui Xing, in unadorned wood, Chinese shoes and robes, with a long
beard and long flowing hair, his left hand resting on his thigh. The
Bosatsu is seated on a polychrome rocky outcrop surrounded by
crashing red waves reminiscent of cinnabar lacquer. An ornately
carved gilt wood pedestal supports the whole. A snake coils around
a beautifully carved minogame at the sage’s feet.

According to the original collector’s file card accompanying this
lot, the “figure appears to represent Myoken Bosatsu, a Buddhist
Japanese manifestation of the Chinese god of literature Kwei Sing
[Kui Xing, actually an associate of Wen Chang, the god of culture
and literature]”.
HEIGHT 25 cm (the shrine), HEIGHT 35.5 cm (incl. base)

Condition: Extensive wear to lacquer, minimal touchups to casing,
some losses. The wooden base may possibly be a later addition, but
at least 100 years old.
Provenance: From the collection of Patrick
Donald (1938-2018). During his time in
Toronto as a set designer for the Canadian
Broadcasting Company, he studied the
martial art of kendo, ultimately becoming
a black belt captivated by Japanese culture
and its art. He became an avid collector of
Japanese art, arms and armor. A file card
written by the collector accompanies this lot.
Patrick Donald at
Estimate EUR 1,500 Southside House,
Starting price EUR 750 Wimbledon

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