Page 44 - Wolley & Wallace, July 1, 2020 Japanese Works of Art UK

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A JAPANESE LACQUERED WOOD FIGURE OF AMIDA
NYORAI (AMIDA BUDDHA)
MUROMACHI PERIOD OR LATER, 16 CENTURY
TH
OR LATER
Of yosegi-zukuri (jointed) construction, standing on an elaborate
lotus throne and wearing long flowing robes loosely draped
across his torso, the eyes inlaid in glass and downcast in a serene
expression, his hands in a mudra representing one of the nine
levels of rebirth, kubon, with a glass or crystal bead amongst his
knotted hair signifying spiritual elevation, ushnisa, and another
representing the urna on his forehead, with remnants of gilt
lacquer, together with a later mandorla, kohai, carved with scrolling
clouds and a large Sanskrit character, 84.5cm overall.
£3,000-5,000
Provenance: the collection of Mr Richard Nathanson (d.2018),
together with a valuation from Marcel Nies Oriental Art dated
31st May 2017. A copy of the additional documentation from Nies
is available.
Amida Buddha is represented performing the kubon mudra when
welcoming the souls of the departed as they reach the Great Western
Paradise. Sculptures and paintings depicting this subject became
popular during the 12th century and were placed near the beds of
dying devotees to bring them comfort.

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