POWERHOUSE COLLECTION

Butsudan, Japanese Buddhist shrine

Object No. A4132

This exquisitely lacquered Buddhist altar or butsudan is a household altar which is an essential part in the life of a traditional Japanese family as it is the centre of spiritual faith within the household. This particular altar was probably used by high ranking Japanese and wealthy family. In Japan, one of the most enduring social and religious traditions has been commemorating rituals to devote to the ancestral spirits. For ancestor worship, both butsudan and kamidan were used. A butsudan was a Buddhist altar and a kamitan is a house Shinto shrine. In some households both were kept or two could be merged into one altar, with a mix of Buddhist and Shinto iconography and function. Rice, fruits, cakes and flowers were kept as fresh offerings, and gifts brought to a family by guests were also often placed at the altar before being used or eaten. Buddhist priest could be called to the household to offer prayers on the anniversary of the death of family members. Certain elements of family ceremonies such as betrothal, marriage and birth of a child could also be held in front of these household altars in a gesture of ancestral witnessing. Butsudan contains Buddhist images or statues and subsidiary religious accessories such as candlesticks, incense burners, bells and platforms for placing offerings of food. This butsudan enshrines Amitabh Triad with Amitabh Buddha (Amida Buddha) in the middle with two attendant Bodhisattvas, Mahasthamaprapta (Seishi) on the right of Amitabh and Avalokitesvara (Kannon) on the left. The Amitabh Buddha displays hand gesture of teaching mudra; right hand points upward, left downward; both palms turned outward, with the thumb and index finger on each hand forming a circle; right hand at shoulder level, left hand at hip level. Amitabh is also called 'The Buddha of immeasurable life and light' and the principal Buddha in Pure Land Buddhism. Mahasthamaprapta displays his hand held together in prayer. On his head sits a crown and in the crown there is a water jar. This water jar represents wisdom in which he portrays. Avalokitesvara appears as a part of this Amitabh Triad along with Mahasthamarprpta. Avalokitesvara, often known as Guanyin (Kannon in Japanese), personifies compassion and is one of the most widely worshipped divinities in Asia and Japan in both ancient and modern times. The form of the butsudan developed commercially through the work of skilled artisans, adapting designs to meet thematic variations determined by specific interpretations of the Buddhist tradition. Butsudan could be simple as a wooden shelf adorned with incense and death photos or in some household, it became another opportunity to display family wealth with black and gold lacquered wood with precious iconographies such as this piece. Min-Jung Kim Curator October 2016

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Summary

Object Statement

Shrine, Butsudan, Buddhist, wood / lacquer, Japan, [early 19th century]

Physical Description

Rectangular, black and gold, lacquered cabinet. Separate base fitted with three small drawers above two larger drawers. Separate cupboard-like top section with double-hinged outer doors fastened by ornate metal panels and vertical bolt. Enclosed by these are a pair of gold inner doors, slatted, double-hinged and lined with net fabric. Interior of cabinet fitted with grottos and galleries of carved wood in black and gold lacquer. Birds, dragons, and flora have been carved into the meandering grotto decoration. One carved wooden Buddha figure still standing in alcove on right hand side. Two other figures along with broken fragments of carving are currently detached from shrine.

DIMENSIONS

Height

2135 mm

Width

1050 mm

Depth

800 mm

SOURCE

Credit Line

Purchased 1948

Acquisition Date

27 April 1948

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