Circa: Late Edo, 19th century
H 5.5 in.(32.5cm.), W 3 in.(7.5cm.), D 2 in.(5cm.)
Condition: patina, minor wood abrasion
The
figure inside the wooden Zushi Altar depicts a fierce looking Fudo Myo-o flanked
by two deities that measures 3.25” tall. The writing on the back of the piece
reads “Narita, Prayer for good luck and good fortune” and it means Narita Shinsho-Ji
Temple in Chiba Prefecture, Japan. Ever since founded by Priest Kanjo in 940,
the temple has been the center of worship as the head temple of Chizan Branch
of Shingon Sect also known as ' Fudo of Narita.' The principal worship image of
this temple is the Fudo Myo-o statue carved by Kukai, the founder of the Shingon
Sect.