A GILT AND LACQUERED WOOD ZUSHI (PORTABLE SHRINE)... Lot n° 5

A GILT AND LACQUERED WOOD ZUSHI (PORTABLE SHRINE) CONTAINING A LACQUERED WOOD FIGURE OF BISHAMONTEN, EDO Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1878) The exterior covered in black lacquer and fitted with metal mounts and hinges chased with elaborate foliate designs against a ring-punched ground, the hinged lock in the form of a tama with foliate scrolls. The doors open to a carved and lacquered wood figure of Bishamonte, flanked by a nimbus clad in heavy armor standing atop two crouching demons on a very finely carved flaming cloud altar, covered in gold lacquer above a tiered pedestal with rinzu and foliate designs. The interior of the shrine covered in gold lacquer, with the upper part fitted with a stylized nyoi trim. HEIGHT 57.7 cm Condition: Good condition with some wear, minor age cracks, small flaking and losses to the lacquer, minor repairs and touchups, the figure relacquered, the hands and eyes lost. Provenance: From a private collection in England. Bishamonten is the Guardian King of the North, who is usually included in a group of Four Guardian Kings (Shitenno), protectors of the four directions. He is always depicted dressed in full armor, carrying a spear and a miniature pagoda. He is the protector of the righteous and is the Buddhist patron of warriors.