МАЭ № 13-7

Miniature zushi shrine with sacred image of Shakyamuni (Shakamuni)

Japanese

18th - 19th c.

wood, lacquer, bronze, glue

Height 23, length 8.5, width 5.5

zushi, a miniature shrine for worship of the Buddha resembles similar Christian shrines in which sacred images were displayed. Shrines like this one contained Buddhas or Shinto deities, more rarely other sacred objects like vajra (ancient Indian war hammers) or phalluses. Such shrines were left at temples for safekeeping or displayed on Shinto or Buddhist altars in homes. Miniature shrines were carried by travelers. This shrine is a lacquered wooden box with bronze fittings including the bronze loops that hold up the two-sided door. The lacquer on the outside is brown, that inside gold. Inside the shrine there is a five-step platform on which sits a small wooden image of Buddha Gautama Shakamuni (Syakamuni). The Buddha's right hand is lifted in the Semui-in (mudra for bestowing fearlessness), while the left hand displays the Yogan-in (wish-granting mudra) An aura filled with flames fills the space behind the image. The image is covered in gold lacquer and some parts of the decoration above the head of the wooden image are coated with red lacquer.

Ethnography of East and South-East Asia