Meiji-Taisho Period
The zushi (Japanese traveling shrine) opening to a carved wood standing bodhisattva dressed in a long dhoti, the chest bare and draped in a long scarf, both with gilt pattern detailing holding a floral spray in the left hand, the right held down with an open palm, the face with a downcast expression beneath hair gathered in a high topknot and secured by a foliate crown, all before a mandorla, standing on a double lotus base on a rounded plinth, character inscription in black ink on the base, the case lacquered black with gilt interior and gilt bronze fittings; together with a carved wood seated bodhisattva with the hands held in the lap and dressed in long robes secured at the chest and draped over the shoulders, the downcast expression below hair gathered into a high knot and secured behind a gilt bronze foliate crown centered by Buddha, the figure seated on a double lotus base set on a multi faceted base with diaper, scrolling and foliate paneling, the figure backed by a mandorla with a raised scrolling clouds surrounding a bronze reflective mirror directly behind the head, the reverse of which is cast with a fan, water and foliate design, the stand covered in gilding and a deep brown lacquer.

Zushi height 10 1/2 inches, sculpture height 11 1/4 inches

zushi- case with scattered surface wear and scratches, small scattered lacquer chips to edges, base with a repaired crack, the figure has loss to the foliate spray in the hand, light gilt wear, figure may not be original to case
sculpture- wear to gilt crown, overall gilt wear, some small areas of wood shrinkage, bronze mirror was covered on the back at one point now partially exposed, overall light surface scratching

11.125 in

1.5 lb