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Antique Japanese Zushi with Katō Kiyomasa Statue
Gilt-lacquered wooden miniature shrine | Japan | 19th century, c. 1850–1900
A beautiful antique Japanesezushi (厨子)containing a carved and polychrome wooden figure of the famous samurai and daimyōKatō Kiyomasa 加藤清正 (1562–1611).
The tall wooden shrine opens throughdouble doorsto reveal a richly gilt interior, dramatically framing the seated figure of Kiyomasa. The contrast between the restrained exterior, luminous gold interior and dark polychrome figure gives the object remarkable presence despite its intimate scale.
The figure depicts Kiyomasa seated formally upon an elaborate gilt pedestal, wearing layered robes and his distinctive tall headgear.
Katō Kiyomasa 加藤清正 (1562–1611)
Katō Kiyomasa was one of the celebrated samurai commanders of the late 16th and early 17th centuries.
A retainer ofToyotomi Hideyoshi, he became renowned as a warrior and spear fighter and later as lord of Kumamoto. Kiyomasa was also famous for his abilities as a castle builder and was involved in major fortification projects of the period.
His distinctive appearance—particularly the tall form of headgear associated with his image—made him an immediately recognizable historical figure in later Japanese representations.
Kiyomasa subsequently became an object of reverence, giving representations such as this example a significance extending beyond ordinary samurai portraiture.
The Zushi
Azushiis a compact Japanese shrine or reliquary cabinet designed to house a Buddhist image or other devotional object.
This example is constructed in wood with folding double doors and a richlygilt-lacquered interior. When closed, the figure is protected within the cabinet; when opened, the gold interior creates an architectural setting around the devotional image.
The combination of miniature shrine and historical figure makes this a fascinating object at the intersection ofJapanese Buddhist devotional art, samurai history and traditional craftsmanship.
Dimensions
Zushi / shrine:
13 × 9.5 × 33.5 cm
5.1 × 3.7 × 13.1 in
Kiyomasa figure:
9.5 × 5.5 × 11 cm
3.7 × 2.1 × 4.3 in
Total weight:approximately 750 g
Material:Wood, polychrome decoration and gilt Kiyomasa (1562–1611)
Period:19th century
Date:c. 1850–1900
Condition
Good antique condition with attractive signs of age and devotional use.
The wood, painted surfaces and gilding display expected age-related wear, rubbing, small losses, marks and surface irregularities. The gilt interior retains a particularly impressive appearance.
Please examine the detailed photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the description and provide the best indication of condition.
Thezushi and its original Kiyomasa figure are offered together exactly as shown.
A highly atmospheric Japanese devotional object with considerable decorative presence, combining the history of one of Japan's best-known samurai figures with the intimate craftsmanship of a traditional gilt miniature shrine.
