A lacquered wood travelling shrine (zushi)


Edo period, 19th centuryThe black lacquered case with floral-etched metal fittings and double doors opening to reveal a well-carved gilt wood figure of a bodhisattva seated in meditation with his right hand raised in the abhaya mudra (gesture of reassurance), the other held to the front (lacking attribute), the delicately painted face framed by an ornate gilt metal diadem and jeweled necklace (losses), backed by a gilt almond-shaped mandorla and raised on an elaborate pedestal (losses, some repair).14 1/8in (36cm) high overall