Circa: Late Muromachi-early Edo, 17th Century
H 11.5 in.(29cm), W 3 in.(7.5cm), D 3 in.(7.5cm)
Height including Lacquer Pedestal: 14 in.(35.5cm)
Aged good condition with newer black lacquer base.
Sold to Private Collection
An exquisitely carved Jodoshu Amida Nyorai, hands forming the welcoming all souls raigo-in mudra, parallel arcs of falling garment flowing with a billowing rhythm, hair carved in tight rows of snail-curls, a ruby-red precious stone for the ushnisha, and a clear crystal for the urna over the forehead, curving lips and arching brows outlining reverse-painted crystal eyes, standing serenely on a newer lacquer pedestal. The statue was carved of Japanese cypress in hollow core joined-blocks technique, with brushed and gilded gold leaf over layers of beaming black lacquer, which instills an ethereal finesse to the surface in this ultra-fine carving. In spite of some abrasions, his face is vividly youthful, in serene contemplative expression with a slight smile. An ultra fine yosegi-zukuri style carving introduced in the later half of the 10th century. The aged Amida Nyorai statue is tentatively attributed to 17th century.
Nothing is born, nothing dies. Nothing is stained, nothing is pure. There is no gain or lost. No form within emptiness.