Page 168 - Fine Japanese Art October 28, 2020 Galerie Zacke

154 | A VERY LARGE AND EXCEPTIONAL
LACQUER-GILT WOOD STATUE
OF MIROKU BOSATSU, EARLY EDO

Japan, 17th century, early Edo period (1615-1868)
HEIGHT 118 cm (total incl. mandorla), 51 cm (the figure),
Seated in kekka fuza (lotus position) on a separately carved 13.5 cm (the lotus base), 32 cm (the throne)
double lotus base on top of an elaborately (and separately) carved
hexagonal throne. The platform of the throne is decorated on the Condition: Good condition with some
sides with floral and geometric patterns, below with dragons, pine wear to the gilt lacquer, natural age
trees, and flowers in openwork in front of panels showing waves cracks, few small losses particularly to
in the front and three mon on either side, above floral designs in the throne, some staining.
low relief on a light blue ground, further with scrolling vines in gilt Provenance: From the collection of
on a black ground, with the lowest pedestal in red lacquer with a Patrick Donald (1938-2018). During
scalloped overhanging canopy. his time in Toronto as a set designer
for the Canadian Broadcasting
The Future Buddha is wearing a long flowing robe opening at the Company, he studied the martial
chest and shows a meditative expression with downcast eyes, art of kendo, ultimately becoming
slender lips, and a rock crystal third eye, his hands forming the a black belt captivated by Japanese
dhyana mudra. His double topknot is a very unusual feature, culture and its art. He became an
defining in this case as the only other Japanese statue with a avid collector of Japanese art, arms
similar hair arrangement is the Miroku Bosatsu at Chugu-ji temple and armor. A file card written by the
in Nara – a national treasure of Japan. The hair is left ungilt and collector accompanies this lot.
shows individual strands of hair, finely carved. The original and very Patrick Donald at
well-preserved halo is of exceptional quality as well, carved with Estimate EUR 15,000 Southside House,
wave-like clouds surrounding a central pierced lotus flower. Starting price EUR 7,500 Wimbledon

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