Beschreibung:

Japan, 17th century, early Edo period (1615-1868) Seated in kekka fuza (lotus position) on a separately carved double lotus base on top of an elaborately (and separately) carved hexagonal throne. The platform of the throne is decorated on the sides with floral and geometric patterns, below with dragons, pine trees, and flowers in openwork in front of panels showing waves in the front and three mon on either side, above floral designs in low relief on a light blue ground, further with scrolling vines in gilt on a black ground, with the lowest pedestal in red lacquer with a scalloped overhanging canopy. The Future Buddha is wearing a long flowing robe opening at the chest and shows a meditative expression with downcast eyes, slender lips, and a rock crystal third eye, his hands forming thedhyana mudra. His double topknot is a very unusual feature, defining in this case as the only other Japanese statue with a similar hair arrangement is the Miroku Bosatsu at Chugu-ji temple in Nara – a national treasure of Japan. The hair is left ungilt and shows individual strands of hair, finely carved. The original and very well-preserved halo is of exceptional quality as well, carved with wave-like clouds surrounding a central pierced lotus flower. HEIGHT 118 cm (total incl. mandorla), 51 cm (the figure), 13.5 cm (the lotus base), 32 cm (the throne) Condition: Good condition with some wear to the gilt lacquer, natural age cracks, few small losses particularly to the throne, some staining. Provenance: From the collection of Patrick Donald (1938-2018). During his time in Toronto as a set designer for the Canadian Broadcasting Company, he studied the martial art of kendo, ultimately becoming a black belt captivated by Japanese culture and its art. He became an avid collector of Japanese art, arms and armor. A file card written by the collector accompanies this lot.