43 - Shrine: JAPAN—19th century / Statue: NEPAL—20th century

Shrine: JAPAN—19th century / Statue: NEPAL—20th century A portable lacquered wooden shrine housing a statue of Padmapani, the Lotus-Bearer, made of gilded bronze with inlaid details, This shrine is covered with a glossy black lacquer of the rôiro 蝋色 type. It features double hinged doors and copper fittings finely engraved with swirling floral motifs. The interior is decorated with “fundame” lacquer ” 粉溜地 (matte gold lacquer), while the reverse side of the doors is painted with two accompanying deities standing on clouds. The domed top curves at the edges and is carved with a small bird in relief. His right hand forms the varada mudrā (gesture of compassion), while his left hand forms the kataka mudrā, and he wears a loincloth engraved with plant motifs, held in place by a belt. On his head rests an elaborate three-leaf tiara, at the center of which sits a seated image of Amitābha Buddha. Dimensions: Zushi: height 50.5 cm, width 25 cm, depth 20 cm; Figurine: height 37.5 cm. Weight: 1,864 g (zushi); 4,400 g