Beschreibung:

Japan, 17th to 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) The rectangular wooden frame lacquered in nashiji in imitation of copper, with two hinged doors on either side secured by gilt brass fittings. Each side opens to reveal a central deity flanked by two further deities, very finely painted with polychrome pigments, gesso, and gold. Each deity is painted within a stupa-shaped reserve framed by a rich gold star-shaped brocade pattern. One side shows Dainichi Nyorai (Mahavairocana) seated on a lotus throne, the hands held in chiken-in (knowledge fist), flanked by Jizo Bosatsu (Ksitigarbha), holding the wish-fulfilling jewel and staff, and Fudo Myo-o (Acala) holding a rope and sword. The other side shows Kishijoten (derived from the Indian goddess Lakshmi) standing, holding the wish-fulfilling jewel and a staff, flanked by the dragon god of the sea Ryujin and the god of the hunt Hachiman armed with bow and arrow. SIZE 14 x 8.5 x 2.5 cm Condition: Very good condition, with only very minor wear to lacquered exterior and some minuscule losses to edges. The painting on the inside with some minor old wear, in an exceptional state of preservation when considering the age. Provenance: Old Swiss private collection formed in the 1940s/50s. The clean and clear iconography of the various deities depicted is quite remarkable in this piece, certainly hinting at an early date of manufacture. Furthermore, the extremely fine painting and double-sided nature of this shrine make this an exceptionally rare artwork. Literature comparison: Note the similar star-shaped gold brocade pattern on a star Mandara in the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, accession no. 11.7123.