Posted 21 days ago
mcheconi
(42 items)
This is an old Japanese Kamidana, a household Shinto shrine. The name Kamidana translates to "god's shelf" and refers to the offerings that are placed on it to please the Kami (god) to whom the shrine is dedicated. The form is based on the wooden shrines found everywhere around Japan, in many shapes and sizes, dedicated to the hundreds of Shinto deities.
It is estimated that 40% of the Japanese population still keep Kamidana in their houses and businesses, mostly in the smaller towns and villages. This example is made out of Sugi wood (Japanese cedar wood) with a beautiful greyish patina. The dimensions are 51cm (20 inches) high x 45cm (17,5 inches) wide x 21cm (8,5 inches) deep.
It serves as the home for a little Japanese ivory Buddha, who seems very happy to live in it. Thanks for your visit!
Very kool! What are the dimensions?
Many thanks to dav2no1, Vynil33rpm, mp.kunst and kwqd for the love!
kwqd, the dimensions are 51cm (20 inches) high x 45cm (17,5 inches) wide x 21cm (8,5 inches) deep. I'll include these to the item description to make it right. Thanks!
I seems to look somewhat like a lecturn, its quite beautiful with all the woodwork involved, magnifique !~
Hi Phil, thanks for your comment. You are right, it resembles a lectern haha. I guess this form was developed to withstand heavy rain and snow, with the thick pillars sustaining the slanted roof. It is a beautiful and elegant design.