Portable Shrine with Sakyamuni Buddha Triad

CHINA; Tang dynasty

It is believed that this portable shrine was brought back to Japan by Master Kukai after visiting Tang dynasty China. It was listed as a National Treasure in 1964.
The shrine is octagonal when closed and when opened, it consists of a central panel and two side panels joined with hinges. The central panel features Sakyamuni Buddha seated in lotus position. The 7.2 cm high Buddha wears a robe covering both shoulders. He forms the abhaya (fearlessness) mudra with his right hand, while his left hand rests on his knee. The Buddha is flanked by Bodhisattvas and disciples. On either side of the throne, there are Dharma protectors, and beneath are two lions sitting on a balustrade consisting of four panels with images of donors; one of the panels is missing.
The two side panels contain images of Bodhisattvas seated in royal ease position, flanked by attendants and disciples. They are similar, but have different faces and one wears a crown, while the other wears a headdress. Just beneath the pedestal is a vase with a kneeling donor and lion on each side. At the bottom, there is a yaksa in the center with figures on either side.