zushi 厨子

1　A miniature shrine in which Buddhist images or rolls of sutras kyō 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 *sharitō 舎利塔 suggests a pagoda *tō 塔 or *hōtō 宝塔, the body is usually circular and the roof is pyramidal *hōgyō 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 7th-8th century, but became more widespread after the Esoteric Buddhist sects, Tendai 天台 and Shingon 真言, were introduced from China in the 9th century. 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 Hōryūji 法隆寺 (mid-7th century) 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.