14th Century Japanese Carved Amida Nyorai Gilt Wood Buddha Statue

Antique Gilt Hinoki Wood Buddha StatueAmida NyoraiDescending from Heaven WestNanbokucho Period. Circa: 14th centuryH 18.75 in.(48cm), W 5 in.(12.5cm), D 4 in.(10cm)Pedestal replaced, gilt loss, aged condition! Amida Nyorai, the Buddha of Infinite Light is the personification of compassion. Here in this mid-sized temple statue, a radiant wash of gold illumines this stately Amida descending from the Western Pure Land, as parallel arcs of his falling garment lend a gentle rhythm to his imperturbable serenity. Amida Nyorai is the primary Buddha in the Jodo (Pure Land) sect, and the Shingon-shu (True Word) Esoteric Buddhism found by Kukai. He is a hugely popular Buddha in Japan, and there are numerous of Amida statues produced since 7th century. Noticeably this gilt wood Buddha is in a class of its own; the lacquered large bowl-shaped cranial protuberance, the broad face with full cheeks and long earlobes, including the close-set drapery folds and fin-like sleeves are unusually provincial,