Japanese Wooden Temple, 1930s

Details

Description

Impressive, finely crafted wooden model of a Shintō shrine, suitable as a household altar or a decorative temple piece in … Read more Impressive, finely crafted wooden model of a Shintō shrine, suitable as a household altar or a decorative temple piece in the interior.

Dimensions: height 120 cm, width 93 cm, depth 40 cm.

Constructed entirely from wood with numerous artisanal details: a monumental, gently arched roof with crossed ridge forks (chigi) and horizontal billets (katsuogi), a deep eave with dentil edge, a raised veranda with balustrades and a central staircase. The façade presents three sanctuary bays with doors—the central one with double doors—framed by decorative pierced panels and small side volumes. Throughout you see crisp mouldings, openwork panels and small domed nail heads that give the whole a strong rhythm. The timber shows a warm, nut-brown tone with attractive grain and even ageing.

Dating to circa 1920–1940, early Shōwa/late Taishō in style and execution. In very good condition for its age; a few minor losses and old, discreet restorations that do not detract from the overall presence.

As a contemporary piece, this temple brings a serene, spiritual accent to any space: use it as a home altar for incense, candles or a small kami amulet, as a display stage for ceramics and ikebana, or as a statement object in a hall, living room or boutique. The combination of impressive proportions, refined joinery and lived-in patina makes it a remarkable eye-catcher. See less