vintage buddhist altar tool set with candle holders and vases - intricate detail

Love Japanese Style like We Do

Discover the serene elegance of this vintage set of Buddhist altar offering tools, crafted from fine brass with meticulous attention to detail. Perfect for enhancing your spiritual rituals, these tools add both beauty and tranquility to any sacred space.

This ceremonial set, known as go-gusoku, is traditionally used in Pure Land Buddhism (Jodo Shinshu), a revered practice centered around the Buddha Amida Nyorai. The set includes two candle holders, a censor, and a pair of vases, all adorned with intricate designs that symbolize purity and enlightenment. Together, these pieces are designed to offer light, fragrance, and beauty - essential elements in Buddhist practice.

CANDLE HOLDERS - SYMBOLS OF LONG LIFE AND SERENITY
The two elegant candle holders are crafted in the iconic tsurukame style, featuring cranes perched gracefully on turtles. This type of stand is deeply rooted in Buddhist symbolism, where the crane represents longevity (living for 1,000 years) and the turtle is said to live for 10,000 years. Each crane holds a long-stemmed lotus flower in its beak, with specially formed petals to cradle the candle, creating a harmonious flow of light. The beautifully etched lines on the cranes and turtles bring the figures to life, infusing your space with both grace and meaning.

The pair of cranes embodies the Buddhist concept of Aun - the Japanese embodiment of the sacred Om - the name of God, a vibration representing the universe, and the unity of beginnings and endings. The male crane, with its open mouth, is believed to ward off bad luck, while the female crane, with a closed mouth, ensures that good fortune remains. This powerful pairing brings harmony, protection, and spiritual significance to any space.

Each candle holder is crafted in separate pieces - the lotus flower, lotus stem, crane, and turtle - fitting together seamlessly to form a cohesive and striking piece.

INCENSE BURNER - A RITUAL OF PURIFICATION
The accompanying incense burner (koro) carries a distinct Chinese influence, with its detailed lion figure on the lid. The lion, guarding the sacred houju (wish-granting jewel of Buddhism), represents a powerful protector, while the act of burning incense purifies the surroundings. This burner is a beautiful homage to the spiritual practice of offering scent for both cleansing and meditation.

VASES - A WORK OF ART IN BRASS
The pair of vases have intricate etchings of lotus flowers and delicate foliage, each raised design adding depth and texture. These vases not only enhance the visual appeal of your altar but are also a symbol of abundance and purity in Buddhist teachings.

A RARE AND BEAUTIFUL FIND
This set is a dead stock item, obtained from a Buddhist store closeout. Unused and in excellent condition, it has been carefully stored, and its brass has naturally darkened over time, adding character and a vintage appeal.

Whether you're a collector of rare spiritual artifacts or simply seeking to add a meaningful touch to your meditation space, this vintage offering set makes for a stunning and symbolic addition to any home.

- candle holder measures around 29.5 cm (11.6”) tall x 10 cm (4”) across.
- vase measures around 12.5 cm (5”) tall x 10 cm (4”) across.
- incense burner measures around 10 cm (4”) tall x 12 cm (4.7”) across.
-  total weight 3,000 gm.

(listing for 5 piece Buddhist altar set)

SHIPPING INFORMATION
- please read our shipping notes in shipping policy.
- we use recycle packaging and wrap for safety, rather than appearance.

ABOUT OUR VINTAGE, ANTIQUE AND OTHER ITEMS
We list pieces we feel are worthy of display. There may be scratches, dents, fading and signs of wear and tear. We try to explain the condition of each item exactly, but may miss something.

Information regarding the item and it’s age is obtained from dealers and our personal research. We do our best to give you the correct information but please be aware that we cannot guarantee this information.

Please message us prior to purchase with any questions you may have about our products.

GO-GUSOKU
Go-gusoku is a set of Buddhist tools used in Jodo Shinshu sect during rituals and ceremonies. Light, flowers and scent are offered during prayer; a candle is lit, flowers are displayed and incense is burned. 

The set typically includes two candle holders, an incense burner, and two vases. The items are placed next to each other either on a tablet or a small table. This type of arrangement became popular during the Kamakura period and Nanbokucho period. The tatehana (standing flower) style of the go-gusoku was the earliest form of flower arrangement in Japan and was later formalized into the art of ikebana.

The tools are made from a variety of materials, including metal, ceramic, and wood, and are often adorned with intricate designs and symbols.

The lighting of a candle represents the light of wisdom illuminating the darkness of ignorance. The burning of incense represents the fragrant scent of morality. The smoke of incense sticks,  rising to the heavens,  connects the earthly world to the spiritual world. Flowers teach the concept of impermanence and also express the desire for the ‘mind’s flowers’  to bloom in the springtime of enlightenment.

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