Early 18th-century Amitâbha Buddha 阿弥陀如来 (Amida Nyorai)
Price on request
A large and expressive polychrome and gilt wooden figure of Amitâbha Buddha 阿弥陀如来 (Amida Nyorai), dated by an inscription to Kyôhô 2 享保二年 (1717).
Amitâbha is seated in meditation, dressed in loose, deeply folded robes with surviving traces of painted and gilded decoration, including remnants of scrolling clouds. His face has a gentle and contemplative expression, with arched brows, heavy-lidded downcast eyes and elongated earlobes. The byakugô (urna) is inlaid in crystal. The face, neck and ears retain extensive gilding, contrasting with the more heavily weathered surface of the robes.
The left hand is extended above the lap and would originally have held an attribute, now missing. The raised right hand similarly appears to have held an object, also no longer present.
The figure is carved from wood using a multi-part construction, with the head made separately and designed to be detachable. An inscription on the tenon of the head reads:
享保弐丁酉年七月, 大仏師蓮心, 願主方譽西欣
Dating the figure to the seventh month of Kyôhô 2 (1717), year of fire rooster, and naming the Buddhist sculptor 蓮心 (Renshin) and the donor 願主方譽西欣. The exact reading of the donor’s name has not been established with certainty.
Amitâbha Buddha 阿弥陀如来 (Amida Nyorai), known as the Buddha of Infinite Light, is the central Buddha of Pure Land Buddhism. According to Pure Land belief, devotees seek rebirth in Amitâbha’s Western Paradise, the Pure Land 極楽浄土 (Gokuraku Jôdo), where enlightenment may ultimately be attained.
Period: Japan – Mid-Edo period, Kyôhô 2 (1717).
Dimensions:
Height approx. 50 cm, Width 43 cm, Depth 35 cm.
Considering its considerable age, the sculpture is in good antique condition with extensive traces of age and use. There are substantial losses and flaking to the lacquer, gesso and polychrome decoration, as well as areas of wear, discolouration and cracking. Parts of the original attributes are no longer present. The surface remains fragile and further minor flaking may occur during handling or transport. Please refer to the photographs for a clear impression of the condition.
When shipped, a certificate of authenticity will be included.
