A GILT WOOD FIGURE OF SEISHI BOSATSU, EARLY EDO... Lot n° 8

A GILT WOOD FIGURE OF SEISHI BOSATSU, EARLY EDO PERIOD Japan, 17th-18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Seishi Bosatsu (Mahasthamaprapta), also known as the bodhisattva of strength and wisdom, is standing in a pose of reverence, slightly kneeling and leaning forwards, the hands together in gassho-in. The serene face with downcast eyes, painted with black pupils ringed in red, crystal-inlaid byakugo (urna), full lips, pierced pendulous earlobes, the hair piled up into a topknot secured by a narrow band. Set on an elaborately carved tiered octagonal vase finely decorated with lotus and floral designs. The kohai with a central openworked lotus blossom surrounded by thick swirling clouds. HEIGHT (the figure) 57.5 cm and (total) 101 cm Condition: Good condition with wear, repairs to the base, kohai, scarves, and one foot, some touchups to lacquer, natural age cracks, flaking and rubbing to lacquer, small chips and minor losses to the base. Overall presenting very well. The kohai possibly added later. Provenance: From an old French private collection. Seishi Bosatsu (Mahasthamaprapta), also known as the bodhisattva of strength and wisdom, is recognized in Japan as one of the Thirteen Buddhas and associated with the Nio temple guardians. He is one of the oldest bodhisattvas and is regarded as powerful, especially in the Pure Land school, where he takes an important role in the Longer Sukhavativyuha Sutra. He is often depicted in a trinity with Amitabha (Amida) and Avalokiteshvara (Kannon), especially in Pure Land Buddhism. Seishi Bosatsu is rarely represented in Japanese sculpture outside of the Amida triad, where he is often depicted holding a lotus flower. Musuem comparison: Compare a related gilt wood figure of Seishi Bosatsu, 81.3 cm high, dated 17th-18th century, in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 2006.438a–e. Auction comparison: Compare a related gilt-lacquered wood figure of Seishi Bosatsu, dated 15th-16th century, 88 cm high, at Zacke, Fine Japanese Art, 28 October 2020, Vienna, lot 149 ( sold for EUR 10,112).