Wood and Gold Plate. Japan, late Edo period (1600 - 1868)


A radiant, richly endowed image! Amida is the highly revered Buddha of Western Paradise (also called “Pure Land” in China and Japan) especially in East Asia. Amida is also the central holy figure of the widespread Buddhist sects of the Pure Land (Jodokyo), founded in China in the year 403 by Huiyuan. Amida is a celestial Buddha, lord of the west and “infinite light”, as suggested by the literal meaning of his Sanskrit name Amithaba. The shinning light is portrayed in this depiction by the tall nimbus cusped upwards, which is embellished with cloud spirals and a lotus blossom and entirely gilt. Amithaba stands in front of it on a large lotus flower with numerous petals. The only parts, which are not gilt, are the feet, hands, chest and head of the celestial Buddha. The black coating of these parts effectively contrasts the gold, there is a small urna on the forehead and a glistening pearl protruding in front of the ushnisha. The introverted facial features are fine and balanced. The hands are held in a dual vitarkamudra (or ani-in in Japanese), the “mudra of discussion”, but the abhayamudra (or semui-in in Japanese – the mudra granting protection) and varadamudra (segan-in – wishfulfillment) can also be recognized. The round stepped pedestal, which gracefully elevates the depiction, is crowned with lotus features in the upper section consisting of several levels (up to the mentioned lotus flower). The lower pedestal levels are partially decorated with metal applications. The nimbus and amida can be detached. Very good condition, well maintained.

HEIGHT 82,8 CM
From a Viennese collection