AN EXCEPTIONALLY FINE CIRCULAR WOOD GOSHINBUTSU (POCKET SHRINE) OF AMIDA RAIGO, EDO PERIOD

拍品描述

AN EXCEPTIONALLY FINE CIRCULAR WOOD GOSHINBUTSU (POCKET SHRINE) OF AMIDA RAIGO, EDO PERIOD Japan, 18th-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Of domed circular form, the two hinged halves are intricately carved in delicate relief to the interior. One side depicts the raigo scene of Amida Buddha descending on billowing clouds, accompanied by the bodhisattvas Kannon and Seishi. The figures are surrounded by blossoms, their flowing sashes animated by the wind. The opposing half is carved with a pair of celestial beings (tennin), one bearing a lotus stem and the other a miniature pagoda, all enveloped within stylized reishi-shaped clouds. The exterior of each side is ornamented with finely carved representations of rakan (arhats): one shown standing with a staff beside an elaborate floral arrangement, the other seated by a rock, holding a kongo (vajra) and ghanta bell. The rims are finished in gold fundame lacquer. DIAMETER 6.8 cm Raigo, literally ‘welcoming descent’, is a central concept in Pure Land Buddhism referring to the belief that Amida Buddha descends from the Pure Land of Sukhavati at the moment of death to guide the devotee’s soul to rebirth. Often accompanied by bodhisattvas Kannon and Seishi, Amida is depicted arriving on gold and purple clouds, symbolizing divine assurance and a peaceful transition to the Pure Land. Museum comparison: Compare a related pocket shrine of Aizen Myo-o, dated 18th-19th century, 5.7 cm in diameter, in the British Museum, museum number 1945,1017.390. Auction comparison: Compare a related circular nichiren pocket shrine, kogobutsu, dated Meiji period, 9 cm in diameter, at Koller Auktionen, Asiatica: Japan, Indien, Südostasien, 17 June 2025, Zurich, lot 368 (sold for CHF 3,000 or approx. EUR 3,200 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing).

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