A PARCEL-GILT PEWTER FIGURE OF AMIDA NYORAI
Lot 70 - AK0126

Japan, 20^th century

The figure standing in samabhanga on an elaborate, tiered octagonal stand, decorated with shishi masks, shaped panels enclosing blossoming lotus sprays as well as a double lotus base. With the hands held in raigo-in, and dressed in a loose-fitting monastic robe cascading in richly carved folds, the face with a serene expression marked by downcast eyes and byakugo (urna) as well as full lips forming a subtle smile, flanked by long pendulous earlobes, the hair arranged in small curls (rahotsu) over the ushnisha.

HEIGHT 18 cm (figure), 30 cm (total)
WEIGHT 2,019 kg

Provenance: From a German private collection
Condition: Very good condition with minor wear, casting flaws, tiny nicks, small dents, and rubbing to gilt.

This iconographic representation of Amida corresponds to Buddha Amitabha, a central figure in Japanese Buddhism. Worship of Amida was established in Japan during the Nara period (710–794) and became one of the principal practices taught in the Tendai school during the Heian period (794–1185). Amida is revered as the one who welcomes the faithful into the celestial realm. Despite human imperfections, those who embrace Buddhist doctrine and invoke the name of Amida at the moment of death are believed to be reborn in the Pure Land Paradise.

The Raigo-in (in Sanskrit, vitarka mudra or ‘welcoming gesture’) is a hand gesture closely associated with Amida Nyorai. The deity is conventionally portrayed with the right hand raised and the left hand lowered, as exemplified in the present work. This specific gesture alludes to nine distinct variants employed by Amida in the act of receiving the departed into the Pure Land (Jodo) of Ultimate Bliss (Gokuraku). Collectively designated as Amida Kubon-in, or ‘Mudra of the Nine Levels of Rebirth’, these configurations correspond to the nine hierarchical stages of rebirth within the Pure Land, to which devotees are believed to ascend according to their spiritual attainment.