Chinese Wooden Polychromed Figure of a Seated Buddha Amitayus, 19th C.

Figurines & Statues

$875

Material

Polychrome Wood

Color

Multi-Color

Origin

China

Age / Period

1800-1849

Dimensions

Height: 12in. (30.5cm)

Condition

Estate / Pre-owned

This is a 19th-century wooden prayer figure carved in the form of a seated Buddha Amitayus, the Buddha of Eternal Life, also known as Amitabha, one of the five Cosmic Buddhas of Esoteric Buddhism; holding a commandment baton in his right hand that is inscribed with the characters 三十六雷 that stand for "Thirty six thunders", a part of a Daoist ritual, and a bowl containing the lustral water in his left hand. He is wearing a five-pointed crown that represent the "Five Furies" (Wuchang 五猖) of the Five Directions, each one incised with different symbolic figures, as well as written characters on the sides of the crown. His robes have been covered in a deep red lacquer with black and golden lacquer highlights. Red is the color of Amitabha and Amitayus. His face has been carved with a downcast eyes, a strong nose, and a nice smile. The face is of typical Ming form, well rounded, almost to the point of being chubby. The Buddha Amitayus is sitting, cross-legged, on a throne where a white tablet has been incised with several Chinese characters written on it. There is a cavity, or votive box, in the figure's back that is covered with a lid. Inside the cavity there are some remains of paper scrolls bearing hand-written prayers and used as consecration materials. This is probably one the most complete and best-preserved Buddha Amitayus wooden figure/statue that you may be able to find. The figure measures 12.75 inches (32.5cm) tall, five inches (13cm) wide, and 3.5 inches (9cm) thick.