A carved wood and gilt lacquer figure of Amida Nyorai seated in hanka zō (half-leg pose). The hands in An-i-in (mudra of appeasement) signifying the descent of Amida to earth to seek the souls of the dead. The eyes, byakugō (all seeing third eye) and nikkeisuū (jewel of wisdom) are inlaid with crystal.

The figure rests upon an associated polychromed and gilt octagonal stand.

Figure:

Japan 15th century Muromachi period

Stand:

Japan 16th century Muromachi period

Belief in Amida as Lord of the Western Paradise rose in popularity during the late 10th century.Based primarily on the concept of salvation through faith, it was not only a religion which appealed to a broad range of people, but also a direct assertion of piety against the dogmatic and esoteric ritual of the more traditional Tendai and Shingon sects. In Amida’s Western Paradise the faithful are reborn, to progress through various stages of increasing awareness until finally achieving complete enlightenment.