A GILT-LACQUERED WOOD FIGURE OF AMIDA NYORAI, KAMAKURA PERIOD, WITH C14 TEST CONFIRMING THE DATING
Lot 151 - JPN0625

Japan, 13^th-14^th century, Kamakura period (1185-1333)

Scientific Analysis Report: The result of a radiocarbon dating test conducted by RCD Lockinge, from a sample taken in March 2024 of the present sculpture’s head, is consistent with the dating of this lot. A copy of the signed report, dated 31 May 2024, accompanies this lot.

Standing in samabhanga with both hands held in raigo-in, dressed in loose-fitting monastic robes draped over both shoulders and falling down his body in concentric and parallel pleats, the face displaying a serene expression with downcast eyes and urna inlaid in crystal, elegantly arched brows, and full lips forming a subtle smile, flanked by pierced and elongated earlobes. The hair arranged in tight curls over the ushnisha set with an inlaid nikkeishu to the front.

The deity is backed by a tall mandorla with central openworked lotus blossom, and stands atop a finely lacquered lotus dais supported on a tiered hexagonal base with finely reticulated reserves surmounted by a globular mid-section atop curling leaves and petals.

HEIGHT 63.2 cm

Condition: Good condition with light wear, fine age cracks, expected flaking to lacquer and rubbing to gilt, the eyes partly filled, the hands with old repairs and associated touchups. The mandorla with a small chip and the peg replaced. The base with small chips and minor signs of insect activity. Drilled hole from sample-taking.
Provenance: European private collection.

The sculpture represents Amitabha, known in Japanese as Amida Nyorai, or the Buddha of Limitless Light. Amitabha reigns over the Western Pure Land, a paradise to which anyone is welcomed if they faithfully and sincerely incant his name. This place of salvation became central to the Jodo [lit. Pure Land] sect of Buddhism. Propounded in 1175 by the monk Honen, the accessibility of such tenets of redemption allowed this form of Buddhism to proliferate across the nation and feudal classes of Japan. Often depicted with an elaborate mandala, the boat-shaped halo is said to remind his followers that he serves as a guide for them to cross the ocean of suffering which contaminates the living.

Museum comparison:
Compare a related standing figure of Amida Nyorai, dated to the mid-13^th century, 112.7 cm tall, in the Saint Louis Art Museum, object number 132:1966.

Auction comparison:
Compare a closely related gilt lacquer figure of Amida Nyorai, dated to the Heian period, 75.5 cm high, at Nagel, 7 December 2023, Stuttgart, lot 683 (sold for EUR 25,900).