Pair of Japanese Gilt Offering Stands

This architectural artifact dates to mid-20th century Japan as an integral part of Buddhist worship. The offering stand was once used in butsudans, Japanese shrines built for honoring ancestors and religious figures. Used to display offerings of food and beverages, this pair of altar stands would be accompanied by other religious items like Buddha statues, candlesticks, incense burners and bells. The hexagon shaped stands are made of wood with primarily a black lacquer but embellished with golden lacquer on the front. They are also decorated with various abstract cutouts along the front.

From the collection of Frances and Gary Comer.