A zushi (portable shrine)


Momoyama (1573-1615), dated 1597The black-lacquer case with a domed top and fitted with double hinged doors opening to reveal deities including Amida Nyorai, Yakushi Nyorai, Fugen Bosatsu, Monju Bosatsu, each on their respective vehicles, Aizen Myo-o, Fudo Myo-o, five bodhisattvas, five additional lesser deities, and the Shitenno (Four Heavenly Kings) all in wood decorated in pigments and gilt, the madorla gilt-metal, the assembly with a pagoda-shaped plaque inscribed Namu Amida butsu and dated on the reverse Keicho ninen [] juichi kichijitsu (1597), deities set on a modern wood base, the interior of the case finished with shaped gables and gilded on the interior 14 1/2 x 12 3/4 x 8 1/2in (36.8 x 32.4 x 21.6cm) (case dimensions0