Page 175 - Fine Japanese Art October 28, 2020 Galerie Zacke

158 | A RARE MINIATURE TRAVELING SHRINE,
ZUSHI, WITH A FIGURE OF JIZO BOSATSU
Japan, 17th-18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

The exterior of the small shrine entirely coated
in black lacquer with two hinged doors. The
doors are painted on the interior with two
scenes on a gilt-lacquered ground of Fudo
Myo-o chasing children and adults, who are
depicted running away in a frightened manner.
The gravestones in one scene as well as the
dark mist around the human figures – and of
course the presence of Fudo Myo-o – indicate
they have died and are on their way to the
underworld.
The center of the opened shrine shows a
figure of Jizo Bosatsu, the patron deity of
deceased children, seated in lalitasana on a
lotus base on a hexagonal plinth, holding his
staff in one hand, a tear-shaped jewel in the
other, and wearing a finely gilt-decorated,
loose-fitting robe.
HEIGHT 8.8 cm
Condition: Superb condition with minor traces
of wear. Good patina.
Provenance: Property from an old South
German private collection, acquired prior to
1990.
Estimate EUR 1,500
Starting price EUR 750

159 | A LACQUERED WOOD DOUBLE-SIDED
TRAVELING SHRINE, ZUSHI,
WITH A FIGURE OF MARISHITEN
Japan, Edo period (1615-1868)

The exterior coated in black lacquer with finely incised gilt fittings.
This shrine is quite special as it is double-sided, with two doors
each on either side. The interior holds a cast bronze figure of
Marishiten, with eight arms holding incised and carved, fire-gilt
weapons and attributes such as the sword and trident. The figure is
contained within the shrine, only visible through the glass windows
in the gold-lacquered wood plates behind the doors.
HEIGHT 18 cm

Condition: Some wear and losses to the
lacquer and casing, some age cracks,
some abrasions and losses to the gilt.
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.
Patrick Donald at
Estimate EUR 1,500 Southside House,
Starting price EUR 750 Wimbledon

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