Japan, 19th century CE. This lacquered and gold leafed wooden shrine is of Aizen Myoo, the Japanese name for Ragaraja, a dharmapala (wrathful deity). He has six arms and wears a metallic, jewelled lion crown and ribbons, a jewelled metal necklace, wrist and arm bands, and robes with floral motifs. He has a red-skinned face with three eyes and one of his right hands holds a vajra, a weapon symbolizing indestructibility. He is seated in the lotus position in front of a large red mandorla atop a lotus thrown with a gilt, ornate base. There are faint flames painted in gold on the back of the mandala. Despite his ferocious appearance, Aizen Myoo is considered the god of love in Japanese Buddhism; his remit is to change desire into enlightenment. Size: 3-3/4" L x 4-3/4" W x 9-1/2" H (9-1/2 cm x 12 cm x 24 cm).

Provenance: Ex-private Patrick and Nancy Kipper Collection, Northern Colorado.

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#110430

Although delicate, the piece is in excellent condition with almost no chipping. Painted details are clear and bright.