Vintage Japanese Kyokuroku Buddhist Altar Stand, Mid Showa (1946-1965) | SKU: 26M-744

Vintage Japanese Kyokuroku Buddhist Altar Stand, Mid Showa (1946-1965) | SKU: 26M-744

A lacquered Buddhist altar stand with reversible red and black top, rich carved relief, and gilded base detail -- a striking piece of vintage Japanese craft.

A kyokuroku is a low ceremonial stand used in Japanese Buddhist settings to elevate offerings, scrolls, or sacred objects on a butsudan altar or within a temple anteroom. This example, dating to the Mid Showa era, is constructed from hardwood and finished in deep black lacquer throughout, with a removable top panel that is red lacquered on one face and black on the reverse -- allowing the stand to be dressed differently for varying ritual contexts. The apron below the tabletop is carved in relief with repeating chrysanthemum and foliate motifs highlighted with gilt, a motif closely tied to both Buddhist iconography and imperial tradition in Japan. A pierced lower stretcher adds further decorative refinement, while the sled-style base retains traces of yellow-gold lacquer along its outer edge, hinting at its original ceremonial splendor. This is a handcrafted Japanese altar piece of considerable decorative ambition.

In a modern home, this versatile stand translates beautifully beyond its ritual origins. Placed in the living room, it functions as a low display pedestal for ikebana arrangements, sculptural objects, or a decorative tray -- lending a wabi-sabi aesthetic to any vignette. It works equally well as a tokonoma-style accent shelf in an entryway or meditation corner, or as a unique platform riser on a sideboard or console. Its dramatic black lacquer and carved gilt relief make it an ideal gift for collectors of Japanese vintage furniture and Japandi-style interior enthusiasts alike.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1946-1965 (Mid Showa)
• Material: Hardwood with black lacquer finish; removable top panel with red lacquer obverse and black lacquer reverse; gilt-highlighted carved apron; yellow-gold lacquer accent on base
• Use: Buddhist altar stand (kyokuroku) -- used to elevate offerings, scrolls, or sacred objects in a butsudan or temple setting
• Modern Use: Low display pedestal for ikebana or sculptural objects; tokonoma-style accent shelf in an entryway or meditation corner; decorative platform riser on a sideboard or console
• Features: Reversible top panel (red lacquer / black lacquer); carved chrysanthemum and foliate relief apron with gilt highlighting; pierced lower stretcher with cloud-form cutouts; sled-style base with yellow-gold lacquer edge detail; raised end flanges on top panel
• Dimensions: 22"W x 7"D x 5 1/2"H
• Condition: Excellent

A rare and ceremonially refined piece of vintage Japanese altar furniture -- its bold lacquerwork and carved gilt detail bring quiet drama to any living room, entryway, or meditation space.

We use professional studio lighting to highlight the natural character of the wood. As a result, the tone may appear slightly warmer than under natural daylight.

All vintage items are sold as-is. Each piece may exhibit signs of age, including scratches, wear, or minor imperfections. These are not considered defects but natural evidence of the item’s authenticity and age.