A GILT-LACQUERED WOOD FIGURE OF AMIDA NYORAI,... Lot n° 15

A GILT-LACQUERED WOOD FIGURE OF AMIDA NYORAI, EDO PERIOD Japan, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Of yosegi (jointed) construction, seated in dhyanasana atop a separately carved circular double-lotus base, his hands lowered in mida jo-in, wearing loose-fitting robes opening at the chest and cascading in voluminous folds. His serene face with a meditative expression, downcast eyes, a crystal-inlaid byakugo (urna), and bow-shaped lips, flanked by long pendulous earlobes. His hair is arranged in tight curls over the high ushnisha with a crystal-inlaid nikkeishu. The separately carved kohai inset at the back of the base and finely carved with a central openworked lotus flower above a circular aperture surrounded by swirling clouds. HEIGHT (the figure) 21.5 cm and (total) 45.5 cm Condition: Good condition with old wear, particularly to gold lacquer, minor flaking to lacquer here and there, small nicks, light scratches, natural age cracks and minor losses with associated old repairs and minor touchups. Overall presenting very well. The sculpture represents Amitabha, known in Japanese as Amida Nyorai, or the Buddha of Limitless Light. Amitabha reigns over the Western Pure Land, a paradise to which anyone is welcomed if they faithfully and sincerely incant his name. This place of salvation became central to the Jodo [lit. Pure Land] sect of Buddhism. Propounded in 1175 by the monk Honen, the accessibility of such tenets of redemption allowed this form of Buddhism to proliferate across the nation and feudal classes of Japan. Often depicted with an elaborate mandala, the boat-shaped halo is said to remind his followers that he serves as a guide for them to cross the ocean of suffering which contaminates the living.