218 - A BRONZE FIGURE OF DAINICHI NYORAI

A BRONZE FIGURE OF DAINICHI NYORAI Japan, dated 1686, H 36 cm, figure 19 cm. Dark patina and traces of gilding. Mahavairocana, the cosmic Buddha with hands forming the chiken-in mudra (wisdom gesture), is depicted as a bodhisattva wearing a crown, jewelry, and a shawl, with a finely rendered hairstyle featuring abundant curls. Inscribed on the back: Hônô Fujisan Dainichinyorai; the lotus leaves and ring bear references to various donors, some with Buddhist honorary names, and a principal donor. Dated Hinoetora Jôkyô 3 (1686). Halo missing. Provenance: Swiss private collection, acquired from an old private estate in the U.S. The reference to Mount Fuji stems from the fusion of Shintoism and Buddhism: at the heart of this syncretism lies the belief that Mount Fuji is not merely the earthly abode of a deity, but the physical manifestation of Dainichi Nyorai himself. * The full tax is charged on this item marked *; that is, VAT is charged on the total amount and will be refunded to the purchaser upon presentation of a validly stamped export declaration.