An
exquisite Japanese Amida Buddha, seated in lotus posture with hands in the meditation
mudra called Amida Jo-in. An exceptional feature of this statue is the elaborate
many-layered lotus throne, the Buddha seated upon a base of upturned petals with
five distinct layers of foliate and floral platforms beneath him. The beautifully
rendered flowers, stamens, seeds and abstract renditions of the lotus theme comprise
a heavenly throne of great richness, elevating the Buddha figure and contributing
to a sense of weightless equipoise that lifts the sensibilities as well, allowing
the essence of the Buddha’s light to shine forth harmoniously.
The
perfection of technique is not limited to the finely carved features and attributes;
over the superb rendering of the mystic face, lambent drapery and the rare undulating
layers of floral platforms, red lacquer was meticulously applied, and still remains
as the basic color of the figure. Much of the gilding is still intact, a delicate
veil of gold enhancing the soft patina of age. The Buddha’s face itself is a marvel
of subtlety; in the downward cast of the eyes, the sloping profile and slight
smile, the characterization is full of gentleness, deep feeling and an uplifting
compassion. --RW
