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Japanese Kamakura period (1185 - 1333) AMIDA BUDDHA, 13th century Wood with lacquer and gilt Height 35 1/2 inches Gift of Mrs. Harrie G. Carnell, 1935.1 |
This nearly life-size sculpture of a seated Buddha is mostly black, except for the face and neck which are shiny gold. The figure has been carved on all sides, including the back. Vertical seams are visible where the wood blocks have been joined. Buddha sits with his legs crossed, wearing a loose-fitting robe. The falling pleats of the robe cascade in distinct ripples down his shoulders, over his back and around his legs. The robe is open in front, exposing his smooth chest and stomach. His right arm is raised from the elbow with the palm facing forward and the thumb and forefinger touching to form a circle. His left arm rests on his thigh, with the palm up and the thumb and forefinger also touching. Buddha's eyes are nearly closed, and his golden face has long, arched eyebrows that meet at the bridge of his nose. His nose is wide at the nostrils, and his small mouth is closed. At the center of his forehead is a round crystal. His ears are flat against the sides of his head, and the earlobes extend downward in long, fleshy loops. His hair is wound in knotted spirals, rising to a round dome on top of his head. In the center of this dome is another crystal, larger than the one on his forehead.
