Japanese Shinto Altar (Kamidana) | Mid-Showa Period (c. 1955–1970)
Note: "There is a noticeable scratch on the top right of the roof."
Overview:
This is a beautifully preserved vintage Japanese household Shinto altar, or kamidana, crafted during the mid-Showa period. (c. 1955-1970) It is a fascinating example of post-war Japanese design, blending the sacred, traditional forms of Shinto with the clean, geometric lines of mid-20th-century modernism. Its austere simplicity and striking color contrast give it a powerful and dignified presence, suitable both as an object of faith and as a piece of Japanese decorative art.
Design & Style (Showa Modern):
The shrine (miyagata) features a highly simplified interpretation of the Shinmei-zukuri architectural style, famously used for the Ise Grand Shrine. The design eschews the ornamentation of earlier eras in favor of a strong, linear aesthetic characteristic of the Showa Modern movement. The emphasis on block-like structure and pure form reflects a post-war design ethos that reinterpreted tradition for a new age. This minimalism is distinct from the aesthetics of the Meiji era and instead points the way toward contemporary Japanese design.
Materials & Construction:
Primary Wood: Crafted from Hinoki (Japanese Cypress), the most revered wood in Shinto tradition for sacred objects. It is prized for its fine, straight grain and symbolic purity. The quality of the timber is visible on the unfinished base and within the drawer.
Finish:
The exterior features a deep, dark brown semi-matte finish, creating a solemn and elegant mood. In contrast, the interior of the shrine is finished in a bright, metallic gold—a stylistic choice that reflects the aesthetics of traditional Buddhist altars (butsudan).
Construction:
The clean construction with no visible nails suggests it was skillfully built using traditional Japanese joinery techniques. The sturdy, multi-tiered base includes a functional drawer for storing ritual implements, fitted with a simple, period-appropriate metal ring pull.
Dimensions & Condition
Overall: 19.25" H × 15" W × 7.75" D (48.9cm × 38.1cm × 19.7cm)
Weight: Approximately 4 lbs (1.8kg)
Condition: The condition is excellent for its age, showing only minor signs of use and a characterful patina. It is structurally sound. Protective felt pads have been added to the base by a previous owner.
Overview:
This is a beautifully preserved vintage Japanese household Shinto altar, or kamidana, crafted during the mid-Showa period. (c. 1955-1970) It is a fascinating example of post-war Japanese design, blending the sacred, traditional forms of Shinto with the clean, geometric lines of mid-20th-century modernism. Its austere simplicity and striking color contrast give it a powerful and dignified presence, suitable both as an object of faith and as a piece of Japanese decorative art.
Design & Style (Showa Modern):
The shrine (miyagata) features a highly simplified interpretation of the Shinmei-zukuri architectural style, famously used for the Ise Grand Shrine. The design eschews the ornamentation of earlier eras in favor of a strong, linear aesthetic characteristic of the Showa Modern movement. The emphasis on block-like structure and pure form reflects a post-war design ethos that reinterpreted tradition for a new age. This minimalism is distinct from the aesthetics of the Meiji era and instead points the way toward contemporary Japanese design.
Materials & Construction:
Primary Wood: Crafted from Hinoki (Japanese Cypress), the most revered wood in Shinto tradition for sacred objects. It is prized for its fine, straight grain and symbolic purity. The quality of the timber is visible on the unfinished base and within the drawer.
Finish:
The exterior features a deep, dark brown semi-matte finish, creating a solemn and elegant mood. In contrast, the interior of the shrine is finished in a bright, metallic gold—a stylistic choice that reflects the aesthetics of traditional Buddhist altars (butsudan).
Construction:
The clean construction with no visible nails suggests it was skillfully built using traditional Japanese joinery techniques. The sturdy, multi-tiered base includes a functional drawer for storing ritual implements, fitted with a simple, period-appropriate metal ring pull.
Dimensions & Condition
Overall: 19.25" H × 15" W × 7.75" D (48.9cm × 38.1cm × 19.7cm)
Weight: Approximately 4 lbs (1.8kg)
Condition: The condition is excellent for its age, showing only minor signs of use and a characterful patina. It is structurally sound. Protective felt pads have been added to the base by a previous owner.
Japanese Shinto Altar (Kamidana) | Mid-Showa Period (c. 1955–1970)
Sale price$220.00
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Japanese Shinto Altar (Kamidana) | Mid-Showa Period (c. 1955–1970)
Sale price$220.00