1 A miniature shrine
in which Buddhist images or rolls of sutras kyou 経, are kept. Reliquary
miniature shrines vary in shape and size. Some are free-standing square, rectangular,
cylindrical or oval shaped. Others are shaped like a temple building and still
others are three-sided and attached to the inside wall of the building in which
it is kept. They have double-hinged doors each with a two-fold leaf or double
doors. If the shape of the reliquary for enshrining Buddhist relics *sharitou 舎利塔, suggests a pagoda *tou 塔 or *houtou 宝塔, the body
is usually circular and the roof is pyramidal *hougyou
yane 宝形屋根. Most miniature shrines are constructed of wood, but some are
made of iron or gilt bronze. Miniature shrines were made in the 7-8c, but became
more widespread after the esoteric Buddhist sects, Tendai 天台 and Shingon 真言, were
introduced from China in the 9c. Temple construction sponsored by these sects
steadily increased after that time. The zushi made in miniature temple
forms often provide important information about the architectural style of the
period. Example: *Tamamushi
no zushi, 玉虫厨子 owned by Houryuuji 法隆寺 (mid-7c), in Nara.
2 Zushi can also refer to the small Buddhist altars found in homes. They contain images,
relics, portraits of deceased family members and their posthumous names written
on vertical strips of lacquered wood rendered in gold.
3 Zushi or *zushidana 厨子棚, originally
meant an enclosed shelved cabinet for storing clothing, household objects and
personal belongings.
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