Japan - Kamakura period (1185-1333) - Lot 110

Japan - Kamakura period (1185-1333) Bodhisattva Kannon depicted standing on a lotiform base. Lacquered wood, gilded paint, gold leaf and inlays, Japan: Late 13th - early 14th century Late Kamakura - early Muromachi period (early 14th century). Height: 87 cm (missing and damaged) This sculpture was part of a larger group of three figures: Amida Nyorai (Sanskrit: Amitabha Tathagata), the Buddha of Infinite Light, seated on a lotus pedestal in the center of the altar. Amida was surrounded by his two assistant bodhisattvas (kyōji), Kannon (Sanskrit: Avalokiteshvara) on his right and Seishi (Sanskrit: Mahasthamaprapta) on his left. This sculptural configuration, known as the Amida Triad, or Amida-sanzon in Japanese, is a visualization of the Beneficent Descent (raigō) of Amida, who descends to earth with his celestial retinue to bring salvation to all believers. Comparison: Metropolitan Museum of New York, Rogers Fund, 1912 ref: 12.134.17 Lot described by Mr. Akio SETO