14th Jun, 2024 10:00
Fine Japanese Art
2
A CARVED WOOD SCULPTURE OF AMIDA NYORAI (AMITABHA), KAMAKURA
Sold for €11,700
including Buyer's Premium
Japan, late 12th-13th century, Kamakura period (1185-1333)
Scientific Analysis Report: The result of a radiocarbon dating test conducted by RCD Lockinge, from a sample taken in September 2021 of the present sculpture’s head, is consistent with the dating of this lot. A copy of the signed report, dated 9 December 2021, accompanies this lot.
Carved and assembled from cypress wood in yosegi-zukuri technique and modeled as the Amitabha Buddha standing, his right arm raised and the left slightly lowered, wearing a monastic robe opening at the chest and cascading in voluminous folds, decorated in gilt with brocade patterns, much of the original decoration to the robes still preserved in various places. His face with serene expression, downcast eyes, rock crystal byakugo (urna), the hair arranged in small spiral curls (rahotsu) rising into the ushnisha with a further rock crystal inlay.
HEIGHT 36.5 cm
Condition: Good condition, commensurate with age. Extensive wear to gilt decoration, expected minor age cracks, chips, losses, flaking, an old touchup to the chin.
With an associated fitted wood stand.
The present sculpture represents Amitabha, known in Japanese as Amida Nyorai, Buddha of Infinite Light. The Pure Land (Jodo) tradition in Japan emphasizes the salvific powers of Amida; incantation of the Buddha’s name can invite divine intercession and devotion in life can insure rebirth in Amida’s Western Paradise. By the early eleventh century, it was increasingly believed that only the compassion of Amida could override the cycle of rise, decline and fall – the concept of mappo, meaning the end of the Law that would devolve into ten millennia of moral degradation and strife. By Japanese calculation, this would coincide with the year 1052. Devotees among the upper classes commissioned sculptures and paintings showing the arrival of Amida and attendants to welcome the spirits of the dying. Given its scale, it is likely that the figure here graced a private altar.
The figure exudes an elegant serenity characteristic of the sculptural treatments of the 12th-13th century. Amida’s divinity is emphasized by gentle idealization. The figure is slender and delicate with robes carved in rhythmic folds.
Auction comparison:
Compare a related wood sculpture of Amida, dated to the Kamakura period, 13th century, 34 cm high, at Christie’s, Japanese and Korean Art, 21 March 2023, New York, lot 5 (sold for 30,240 USD).
Japan, late 12th-13th century, Kamakura period (1185-1333)
Scientific Analysis Report: The result of a radiocarbon dating test conducted by RCD Lockinge, from a sample taken in September 2021 of the present sculpture’s head, is consistent with the dating of this lot. A copy of the signed report, dated 9 December 2021, accompanies this lot.
Carved and assembled from cypress wood in yosegi-zukuri technique and modeled as the Amitabha Buddha standing, his right arm raised and the left slightly lowered, wearing a monastic robe opening at the chest and cascading in voluminous folds, decorated in gilt with brocade patterns, much of the original decoration to the robes still preserved in various places. His face with serene expression, downcast eyes, rock crystal byakugo (urna), the hair arranged in small spiral curls (rahotsu) rising into the ushnisha with a further rock crystal inlay.
HEIGHT 36.5 cm
Condition: Good condition, commensurate with age. Extensive wear to gilt decoration, expected minor age cracks, chips, losses, flaking, an old touchup to the chin.
With an associated fitted wood stand.
The present sculpture represents Amitabha, known in Japanese as Amida Nyorai, Buddha of Infinite Light. The Pure Land (Jodo) tradition in Japan emphasizes the salvific powers of Amida; incantation of the Buddha’s name can invite divine intercession and devotion in life can insure rebirth in Amida’s Western Paradise. By the early eleventh century, it was increasingly believed that only the compassion of Amida could override the cycle of rise, decline and fall – the concept of mappo, meaning the end of the Law that would devolve into ten millennia of moral degradation and strife. By Japanese calculation, this would coincide with the year 1052. Devotees among the upper classes commissioned sculptures and paintings showing the arrival of Amida and attendants to welcome the spirits of the dying. Given its scale, it is likely that the figure here graced a private altar.
The figure exudes an elegant serenity characteristic of the sculptural treatments of the 12th-13th century. Amida’s divinity is emphasized by gentle idealization. The figure is slender and delicate with robes carved in rhythmic folds.
Auction comparison:
Compare a related wood sculpture of Amida, dated to the Kamakura period, 13th century, 34 cm high, at Christie’s, Japanese and Korean Art, 21 March 2023, New York, lot 5 (sold for 30,240 USD).
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