Page 167 - Fine Japanese Art October 28, 2020 Galerie Zacke

152 | A RARE GILT AND
POLYCHROME
LACQUERED FIGURE OF
KANNON
Japan, Momoyama (1573-1615) to early
Edo period (1615-1868)

The Goddess of Mercy standing on a
lotus base, forming the semui-in (gesture
of fearlessness) with her right hand and
holding a lotus bud in her left, wearing
an original brass crown and pectoral with
the same flame-like designs and a neatly
carved long flowing robe, the crown with
the original pendant beads, which are
rarely still found on figures of this type.
The bodhisattva with a calm meditative
expression and sensitive features, with
downcast eyes, slender lips, crystal nikkei
(ushnisha), and a light mustache.
HEIGHT total 60.8 cm
Condition: Wear to lacquer, some small
losses to the brass ornaments, several
cracks and associated old repairs to the
shoulders and feet, the mandorla and
larger base is missing.
Provenance: Hungarian private collection.
Estimate EUR 1,500
Starting price EUR 750

153 | A GOLD LACQUERED
SHRINE WITH TWO
SEATED BUDDHAS
FLANKING A BUDDHIST
STELE, LATE EDO
Japan, c. 1750-1850, Edo period
(1615-1868)

The two Buddhas both seated in
padmasana on double lotus bases with
the hands showing the namaskara mudra.
They are wearing long flowing robes
opening at the chests and their hair in
tight curls, their faces meditative with
downcast eyes. Cloudy mandorlas rise
behind each of them.
The Buddhas flank a Buddhist stele with
remains of manual lacquer inscriptions in
the front, mostly faded. The Buddhas and
stele are supported by a rocky outpost
with crashing fungus-shaped waves in the
front, supported by a broad hexagonal
throne.
HEIGHT 30.5 cm, WIDTH 26.5 cm
Condition: Minor flakes to the lacquer,
wear, but overall excellent original
condition.
Provenance: American East Coast private
collection.
Estimate EUR 1,200
Starting price EUR 600

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