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A LARGE (101 CM) AND EXCEEDINGLY RARE BRONZE STATUE OF AMIDA NYORAI, 18TH CENTURY Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Finely cast, the figure standing in samabhanga atop a lotus dais, itself supported on an elaborate, tiered hexagonal stand, with a recumbent Buddhist lion (shishi) and shaped panels enclosing blossoming lotus sprays. His right hand raised in raigo-in (vitarka mudra) and his left lowered in similar mudra. He is clad in a loosely draped monastic robe opening at the chest and cascading in voluminous folds from his shoulders. The rounded face, serene in expression, distinguished by downcast eyes beneath gently arched brows, centered by a prominent crystal-inlaid byakugo (urna), a slender nose, and full lips, all flanked by long, pendulous earlobes. The hair arranged in tight curls, surmounted by a nikkei (ushnisha), and topped with a similarly inlaid nikkeishu (jewel of wisdom). The head backed with an oval kohai (aureole), intricately cast with swirling cloud-like motifs. HEIGHT 57 cm (figure), 101 cm (total) WEIGHT 27.1 kg Condition: Very good condition with minor casting irregularities and flaws as are to be expected. Some light traces of use, tiny nicks, and remnants of gilding throughout. 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 boat-shaped halo behind the figure symbolizes the guidance offered to devotees across the ‘ocean of suffering’. 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.

재료

Bronze