An Ivory Shrine. Inside, A Buddhist Deity With A Dragon. Japan, Meiji Period, 1868–1912

This finely carved and decorated ivory temple, made in Japan during the Meiji period (1868-1912) and dating to the 19th century, is an outstanding example of sculptural art intended for private devotion or elite collecting.

The structure, compact and architectural in form, evokes a Buddhist shrine (zushi) with opening front doors. The exterior is entirely covered with an exquisite repertoire of deeply carved relief decoration, featuring scrolling motifs, stylized clouds, and mythological figures, executed with extraordinary technical precision. The surfaces are enhanced by a sophisticated interplay between polished ivory and subtly darkened areas, which accentuates the design and the depth of the carving.

When the doors are opened, the central scene is revealed: a standing Buddhist deity, with a serene and contemplative expression, draped in finely incised flowing robes. The figure is accompanied and protected by a coiling dragon, a symbol of spiritual power, protection, and wisdom, carved with great dynamism in its twisting body and finely detailed scales. The interaction between the deity and the dragon creates a strongly symbolic composition, in which inner calm is set against cosmic energy.

The inner doors are decorated with sinuous dragons and ornamental motifs consistent with Far Eastern Buddhist iconography, contributing to a harmonious and highly theatrical ensemble. The base and upper frame repeat the same decorative language, lending balance and a sense of monumentality to the work despite its modest dimensions.

This lot is accompanied by CITES documentation IT/CE/2025/MI/00930.

HxLxD 5,51in x 3,94in x 2,95in

Provenance
Private collection

Conditions
Signs of wear from age. Defects. Losses. Right-hand door not attached to the body.