Edo period (1615-1868) or Meiji era (1868-1912), late 19th/early 20th century Constructed in four detachable sections, the tama (jewel)-shaped container holding a selection of small pearl-like stones (shari) fitted on a lotus base resting on top of a tubular vessel containing the miniature sutra, all enshrined within a pagoda, the typically sloping roof, surmounted by a tall stupa with a tama-shaped knop from which chains lead down to the roof's corners, where bells are suspended, surmounting a domed structure fitted with a set of hinged doors on a railed balcony, above a stepped square base, the exterior of the roof applied with dragon and ho-o roundels in gold relief, the doors applied with gilt dragons alternating with geometric motifs in silver, the sides decorated with lotus petals in silver relief, the sides with floral motifs and repeated hanabishi (flowery-diamond), all inside a red-lacquered, portable, glazed case. The sharito: 30cm (11¾in) high; overall: 41cm (16in) high. (5).