Description

Antique Japanese small zushi, traveler’s shrine which opens to reveal a seated figure of the goddess, Benzaiten. She is the guardian of the people of Japan and is considered the goddess of all things that flow: water, music, time, words, eloquence, and knowledge. In Japan, she is one of the 7 Gods of Fortune (or 7 Lucky Gods). In the Shinto religion, she is a kami (a divine being) and is often depicted with the likeness of kami Ugajin on top of her head. In Sanskrit, her name is Sarasvati. This figure is carved of wood and her eight hands hold various Buddhist implements.

Age: Edo Period (19th century)

Dimensions: 4 1/4″ high x 2 3/4″ wide (closed) 6 1/4″ wide (open) x 2″ deep