Antique 1915 Japanese Temple-Sized Gilt Wood Kuridashi Ihai

Antique 1915 Japanese Temple-Sized Gilt Wood Kuridashi Ihai (Buddhist Ancestral Shrine) – 33” Tall This remarkable antique Japanese Temple-Sized Gilt Wood Kuridashi Ihai, standing at 33 inches tall, dates back to 1915. This Ihai is in used condition with some wear and tear, which only adds to its historic charm. It features intricate ornate carvings and a mirror insert, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. The use of gilt wood enhances its spiritual aesthetic. Description: For auction is a remarkably scarce, museum-scale Japanese Buddhist Kuridashi Ihai (ancestral tablet holder shrine). Standing at a monumental 33 inches tall, this piece is an extraordinary architectural artifact. While standard home altar versions are small (6 to 12 inches), this grand scale confirms it was custom-commissioned for a Japanese Buddhist temple or a highly prominent estate's main altar (Butsudan). This particular specimen features a unique mirror insert positioned behind the ornate protective glass viewing pane, creating a striking reflective focal point beneath its gilded framing. Historical Provenance: The back of the shrine retains its original, handwritten ink inscription providing exact historical context from the Taishō Era: May 7, 1915 (大正四年五月七日). Artistic & Symbolic Carvings: Finial Top: Features a deeply carved Hōju (Sacred Wish-Fulfilling Jewel) nestled among swirling heavenly clouds (Unki) and an underlying lotus base. Central Frame: Flanked by scrolling decorative trim and hand-carved imperial chrysanthemum-style medallions (Kiku). Pedestal Base: Elaborate, multi-tiered foundation featuring hand-chiseled Sukashibori (openwork lattice) depicting sacred lotus blossoms, stylized foundational corner curls, and flowing eternity vines (Karakusa). Craftsmanship: Hand-carved from solid wood and finished in genuine gold leaf (Kinpaku) over a traditional dark lacquer base Key features include: - Height: 33 inches - Material: Gilt Wood - Era: Taisho 4, May 7th (1915) - Style: Temple-Sized Kuridashi Ihai - Special Features: Ornate Carvings, Mirror Insert This object is a Japanese Buddhist mortuary tablet holder, known as a Kuridashi Ihai (繰出位牌). It is a sacred ritual item used on a family altar (butsudan) to honor ancestors. While the file name or context might suggest it is a "mirror," the central glass pane is actually a viewing window, not a reflective surface. Key Features & Identification Function: Unlike a standard single-spirit tablet (Ihai), a Kuridashi Ihai is designed to hold multiple thin wooden tablets (usually 8–10) inside its central casing. This allows a family to consolidate many ancestors into a single vessel. Design: Material: It is made of wood and coated with gold leaf or gilding (kinpaku) and often black lacquer (urushi). Motifs: The top usually features a "cloud" design, while the tiered base represents a lotus throne, symbolizing purity in Buddhism. Interior: In use, a black wooden tablet with the ancestor's name written in gold would be placed in front of this background, visible through the window. Era: These intricate, heavy-gilt styles are typical of the Meiji (1868–1912) to early Showa (1926–1989) periods How It Is Used Daily Rotation: The wooden tablets inside are often arranged by the date of the ancestor's death. Memorials: On the anniversary of a specific ancestor's death, their tablet is moved to the very front so it is visible through the window for prayer and offerings. Placement: It is placed centrally or on a higher tier within the family's Buddhist altar Pickup at Yonge Street and Steeles Avenue