A Rare Travel Shrine (Zushi) –Bishamon – Red Lacquer Case –Edo

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This is a very raretravel shrine (zushi) with carved wooden figures of Bishamon and is two assistants. The red lacquer on the outer case is the only zushi we have ever had in this color. At the centre of this small shrine are the three figures of the Buddhist divinity Bishamon, one of the gods of luck, and his two attendants Kichijôten and Zennishi. The piece measures 3 1/2" tall and is 3 1/2" wide with the doors open – 2 1/2" wide with the doors closed – it is 1 1/2" deep. We date this zushi to the late Edo to early Meiji period, circa 1840-1880. Excellent condition. Besides being a god of luck, Bishamon is one of the guardians of the four winds, the protectors of the North. Each guardian protects one of the four winds. Bishamon is the guardian of the north wind. In Sanskrit, the language of Buddhism, his name is Vaishravana, and in Japan he is also known as Tamonten. Bishamon is also called Bishamonten in Japanese mythology, one of the Shichi-fuku-jin (“Seven Gods of Luck”). He is identified with the Buddhist guardian of the north, known as Kubera, or Vaisravana. Bishamon is always depicted as dressed in full armour, carrying a spear and a miniature pagoda. He is the protector of the righteous and is the Buddhist patron of warriors. As long as you are checking out this item at auction, we invite you to take a look at our 850 read more