A RARE AND LARGE GILT-LACQUERED WOOD FIGURE OF... Lot n° 10

A RARE AND LARGE GILT-LACQUERED WOOD FIGURE OF AMIDA NYORAI, MUROMACHI TO EARLY EDO Japan, 16th-17th century, Muromachi period (1336-1573) to early Edo period (1615-1868) Of yosegi (jointed) construction, sensitively carved and finely lacquered in black and gold, the Buddha Amitabha standing in samabhanga atop a separately carved lotus dais raised on an elaborate tiered hexagonal base decorated with dragons, kirin, shishi, and lotus, openworked panels with tiger in bamboo, shishi and peony, prunus, and minogame, as well as dharmachakra, swirling clouds, and brocade patterns. His hands are held in the welcoming mudra of raigo-in assumed by Amida Buddha when descending to welcome the souls of the dying. He is dressed in a loose-fitting monastic robe opening at the chest and cascading in voluminous folds. His serene face with downcast eyes, painted with black pupils ringed in red, and full bow-shaped lips, the byakugo and nikkishei inlaid with crystal, flanked by pierced pendulous earlobes, the hair arranged in tight curls. HEIGHT (the figure) 55 cm and (total) 92 cm Condition: Good condition with wear, few expected fine age cracks, rubbing, flaking, and losses to gold lacquer, one finger with a minute chip, minor chips and losses to exposed areas of the base, possibly few very minor repairs and touchups. The figure firmly attached to the base. Presenting beautifully. Provenance: The Jameson J. Wood Collection, acquired 2010 in the London trade. Auction comparison: Compare a closely related figure of Amida Buddha, dated Edo period, 17th-18th century, the figure 39.2 cm and overall 97.8 cm high, at Christie’s London, 16 November 2000, lot 191 ( sold for GBP 35,250).