Until 1st May, 2026
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A LACQUERED WOOD FIGURE WITH A TRIAD OF KANNON BOSATSU AND ACOLYTES
Lot 59 - AK0126
Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
Carved in two parts, the multi-armed deity stands in quiet dignity at the center of an elaborate triad upon a lotus pedestal set above rugged naturalistic rockwork, the primary hands joined in prayer (gassho), the serene face framed by a high topknot centered by an image of Amida Nyorai (Amitābha Buddha) in his headdress or crown. Behind Kannon rises a large flaming mandorla (kohai), carved in bold, swirling forms with curling clouds and tongues of flame. He is flanked by two standing acolytes with similarly carved aureoles.
HEIGHT 58 cm
Condition: Good condition with expected wear, tiny nicks, few chips to the flames and base, remnants of gilt, flaking to the lacquer, as some age cracks.
Kannon Bosatsu, the Japanese manifestation of the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, embodies boundless compassion and the vow to assist all beings in overcoming suffering. In esoteric Buddhism, Kannon often appears within protective triads, offering a serene counterbalance to fierce deities who subdue obstacles on the practitioner’s path. The dramatic flames and guardian figures surrounding this image suggest a ritual context rather than a purely devotional one. Such shrines were likely used in the Buddhist fire ceremony known as goma, in which offerings are consumed by sacred fire to purify karmic defilements and invoke divine protection.
Museum comparison:
Compare a related bronze sculpture of Fudo Myo-o with his acolytes Seitaka and Kongara for the Buddhist fire ceremony goma, dated to the 18th century, 85 cm (high), in the Victoria & Albert Museum, accession number M.135:1 to 6-1922.
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