A LACQUER-GILT WOOD FIGURE DEPICTING AMIDA NYORAI
A LACQUER-GILT WOOD FIGURE DEPICTING AMIDA NYORAI
Japan, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
Of yosegi (jointed) construction, Amida seated in dhyanasana on a lotus dais raised with an elaborate tiered hexagonal throne carved with swirling clouds as well as geometric, diapered, and beaded designs, all supported on a short rounded rectangular base.
His hands are held in mida no join, a variation of the dhyana mudra predominantly used in Japan for depictions of Amida. He is wearing loose-fitting robes opening at the chest and cascading in voluminous folds. His serene face shows heavy-lidded downcast eyes below gently arched eyebrows centered by a glass-inlaid byakugo (urna). The hair is arranged in tight curls surmounted by a domed ushnisha with a further red glass-inlaid eye. The kohai (aureole) is carved with swirling clouds and with a central circular recess to hold a mirror.
HEIGHT 34.5 cm
Condition: Overall good condition with old wear, particularly to gold lacquer, minor flaking to lacquer here and there, small nicks, light scratches, the kohai with natural age cracks. Possibly small old repairs and minor touchups. The separately carved parts of the sculpture have been fitted together.
Provenance: French private collection.
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A LACQUER-GILT WOOD FIGURE DEPICTING AMIDA NYORAI
Japan, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
Of yosegi (jointed) construction, Amida seated in dhyanasana on a lotus dais raised with an elaborate tiered hexagonal throne carved with swirling clouds as well as geometric, diapered, and beaded designs, all supported on a short rounded rectangular base.
His hands are held in mida no join, a variation of the dhyana mudra predominantly used in Japan for depictions of Amida. He is wearing loose-fitting robes opening at the chest and cascading in voluminous folds. His serene face shows heavy-lidded downcast eyes below gently arched eyebrows centered by a glass-inlaid byakugo (urna). The hair is arranged in tight curls surmounted by a domed ushnisha with a further red glass-inlaid eye. The kohai (aureole) is carved with swirling clouds and with a central circular recess to hold a mirror.
HEIGHT 34.5 cm
Condition: Overall good condition with old wear, particularly to gold lacquer, minor flaking to lacquer here and there, small nicks, light scratches, the kohai with natural age cracks. Possibly small old repairs and minor touchups. The separately carved parts of the sculpture have been fitted together.
Provenance: French private collection.
