Zushi (Small Portable Shrine) Containing an Image of the Deity Benzaiten

Zushi (Small Portable Shrine) Containing an Image of the Deity Benzaiten

1800-1894

personal shrines

Benzaiten

Zushi (small portable shrine) of the female deity Benzaiten (originally the Hindu deity Saraswati), one of the Seven Lucky Deities. The exterior is covered with red paint or lacquer. Many of the objects originally carried in the deity's hands are missing, but she still holds a club, sword, wish-granting jewel, snake, and the torii gate with old man's face appears on her head.

Benzaiten brings luck, music, poetry, wealth, learning. She is protective of anything flowing, such as water; by extention, words.

Japan

wood (plant material)

5.5 x 3.5 x 9 inches

Turner, William Patillo (Purchaser) ; Candler, Warren Akin (Funder)

Oxford College Library (Oxford, Ga.)

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