Wood and gilding. Japan, late Edo Period (to 1868)
Impressive multi-part wooden sculpture, crafted in precise detail. The base is constructed in an architectural many-levelled section with open-worked decorative fields and lotus leaves as well as an upper level carried by a lion with three-dimensional lotus leaves. A Buddha stands on the highest lotus pedestal in royal and elegant posture, showing both hands in the vitarka mudra, in Japanese called an-i-in, gesture of the "tradition". Buddha is wearing a richly pleated floor length robe and displays very well-proportioned facial features, a small moustache as well as urna and a jewel in front of the ushnisha. The pointed arch halo has a compact powerful cloud relief. Small defects and restoration e.g. on the lotus leaves, fingers and halo edge (easily restorable).
HEIGHT 72 CM
From a German private collection