Antique Japanese small zushi (traveling shrine). Red lacquer case opens to reveal the Buddha in the moment in which he attains parinirvana, dies and is released from the cycle of rebirth. Here he is recumbent on his side on an elongated lotus bed on a two tiered stand carved with blossoming branches and waves. The whole interior of the zushi is lacquered gold as is the Buddha while the lotus petals are delicately painted in colors with gold details.

Edo Period (1603-1867)

Dimensions: 4 3/4" high x 4 1/2" wide (closed) 8 1/4" wide (open) x 2 1/2" deep