

Buddist Offering Tray
Vintage Japanese Wooden Buddist Offering Tray with Daruma and Ruyi Scepter Motif
Age:1926-1989 (Showa Period)
Descriptive qualities& condition:
Dimensions: 1-0”h x 4-1/2”w x 15-1/2”l
This beautifully hand carved and lacquered tray which may have once been used to present offerings upon a deity altar within a Japanese home. The intricately carved tray is made of wood, (possibly paulownia) and stained. It is a bit unusual as it has been decorated with a Hime-daruma, (a figure/doll that represents the legendary Empress Consort Jingu, the consort to Emperor Chuai, who led Japan between 201 and 269), and Dharma, (a monk accredited with the founding of Zen Buddhism, who was accredited as the father of many martial arts). Both are wearing the standard red Cowl, Dharma depicted as very masculine with rough facial hair with a Ruyi Scepter lying by their side. Both are accented in red lacquer (used while praying for health and self-improvement) and gold lacquer incorporated into their clothing, (symbolizing money and wealth).
Condition: The tray is in very good condition with a patina commensurate with age.
NOTE: Many Shinto items of this type find new life as cherished religious items, for which foreigners sometimes use them when practicing Shinto outside Japan. Many of the Japanese we have discussed this with religious figures have been pleased to learn that old items of their native faith are often well received by Shinto believers abroad.