AN IMPRESSIVE GILT AND POLYCHROMED WOOD FIGURE OF AIZEN MYO-O, MUROMACHI PERIOD

拍品描述

AN IMPRESSIVE GILT AND POLYCHROMED WOOD FIGURE OF AIZEN MYO-O, MUROMACHI PERIOD Japan, 14th-15th century, Muromachi period (1333-1573) This remarkable wooden figure of Aizen Myo-o is carved with polychrome pigments, predominantly in rich reds, and gilded in select areas. The deity is depicted with six arms, the lower arms holding a five-pronged vajra (diamond, symbolizing the cutting through of illusions) and a ritual bell (calling one to awareness). The other hands grasp a bow and arrow as well as an unopened lotus flower, symbolizing the power of subjugation. The headdress is ornate, crafted from metal and adorned with several glass beads, while a snarling shishi (lion-dog) sits atop, painted in blue and green pigments. Aizen is seated in lotus position on a lotus pedestal, which sits upon a multi-stepped base, wrapped with a ribbon. The folds of his garments are expressive and decorated with a finely rendered brocade pattern. Surrounding the deity is a large mandorla, intricately painted with a pattern that further emphasizes the divine nature of the figure. Aizen’s facial expression is fierce, with his mouth open, baring his teeth, while his hair is depicted as wild and flaming, symbolizing his embodiment of rage, lust, and passion. HEIGHT 24.5 cm (the figure) and 48 cm (total) Aizen Myo-o (Sanskrit: Ragaraja), translatable as ‘Lust-tainted Wisdom King’, is a wrathful embodiment of Buddha, whose purpose is to teach through fear by warning against the depravity of earthly desires. Introduced to Japan in the 9th century, the Esoteric Wisdom Kings were originally Hindu deities, later adopted into the Buddhist pantheon, each emphasizing the expulsion of a particular form of degeneracy. While Aizen Myo-o’s startling appearance was meant to directly warn the viewer against passion and lust, artistic renditions of the deity in Japan were typically hidden objects, used for consultation and intercession by only a few select monks, giving lay people little or no access to Aizen’s image. However, as his imagery became more popularly available over time, there was a change of focus – during the Edo period when, ironically, Aizen became venerated as the patron of prostitutes and brothel owners – subverting his profound Shingon meaning for satirical purposes. Museum comparison: Compare a closely related wood figure of Aizen Myo-o, dated 14th-15th century, 73 cm tall, in The British Museum, museum number 1885,1227.27. Auction comparison: Compare a closely related gilt and polychromed wood figure of Aizen Myo-o, dated to the 15th century, 69.3 cm tall, at Bonhams, Fine Japanese and Korean Art, 15 March 2017, New York, lot 6158 (sold for USD 20,000 or approx. EUR 23,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing). Compare a closely related gilt and polychromed wood figure of Aizen Myo-o, dated 14th-15th century, at Zacke, Fine Japanese Art, 6 December 2024, Vienna, lot 157 (sold for EUR 23,400).

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