A partially-gilded bronze figure of Dainichi Nyorai wearing flowing robes and seated in kekka-fusa (lotus position), his hands in chiken-in mudra (Mudra of the Knowledge Fist). The head is adorned with a crown and a zukō (halo) is attached to the back of the figure.

Japan, 13th century, Kamakura period

Dimensions:

H. figure 40cm (15¾")

H. with halo 43cm (17")

H. with base 52cm (20½")

Dainichi (Great Sun) is the central and supreme deity of the pantheon of Esoteric Buddhism. In origin he has been linked to an ancient sun cult and to the Zoroastrian god of light, Ashura Mazda. In Brahmanical literature the appelation Vairocana (primordial or supreme Buddha) appears, for example, as the name of a legendary king and of the king of the Ashura. In Buddhism he assumes a central role in Esoteric Buddhism, eventually taking the place of Shaka (the Historical Buddha), as expositor of the Buddhist teachings and becoming the central figure in the Esoteric Buddhist pantheon as represented by the Taizōkai Mandara (Womb World Mandala) and Kongōkai Mandara (Diamond World Mandala). In Japan, Dainichi also figures among the so-called Jūsanbutsu (Thirteen Buddha), presiding over the memorial service held on the 12th anniversary of a person's death.

Dainichi differs iconographically from other Buddhas in that he is represented in the form of a Bosatsu (Bodhisattva): seated, wearing silk robes and accessories such as armlets and bracelets, and having long locks of hair. He also wears a Gochi Hōkan (five-wisdom bejewelled crown) on his head, symbolizing his identity with the Gobutsu (Five Buddha) and Gochi Nyorai (the five wisdoms) attributed to them.