A Japanese Gilt and Lacquered Wood Zushi Shrine
Meiji Period.
The tall rectangular shrine of architectural form, the exterior finished in black lacquer with extensive gilt decoration and wear. The double doors of the shrine embellished with elaborate pierced and chased copper-gilt kanagu mounts of scrolling peony and karakusa vines, opening to reveal a gilt interior chamber with original textile lining. The roof in the irimoya style with gracefully upswept eaves, surmounted by a lobed wooden finial and centered to the front with a circular mon crest depicting a mitsudomoe motif against a black ground. The shrine supported on a waisted, tiered base carved with lotus petals, key-fret, and scrolling foliage, all above a stepped plinth with cut corners.
Dimensions: Height 34.5 cm (13 1/4 in.)

Condition: Wear and losses to the black lacquer and gilding overall, consistent with age and handling. Minor chips and abrasions to wood at the roof corners and base. Surface scratches to lacquer on reverse. The original Buddhist figure absent. The doors retain their original hinges and latch. A beautiful, undisturbed patina.
Note: A zushi is a miniature shrine or cabinet used to house a sacred image for private devotion. This example, with its lavish use of gilt and prominent mitsudomoe crest, indicates it was likely commissioned for a wealthy merchant household or a minor temple during the Meiji period, a time of great artistic patronage.
Detailed condition reports are not included in this catalog. For a detailed condition report or to request additional images, please email the gallery directly at auctions@finesf.com. Condition report requests received after 5pm the day before the sale are not guaranteed. Shipping is not included. Please bid accordingly, as all sales are final, no returns are accepted on basis of condition.