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A Late Edo to Early Meiji Figure of Fudo Myoo browse these categories for related items... All Items: Antiques:Regional Art:Asian:Japanese:Okimono: Pre 1900: item # 407809
Ichiban Japanese & Oriental Antiques Post Office Box 395 Marion, CT 06444-0395 203.272.7392 Guest Book $595.00 |
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| A well carved wooden figure of the Japanese deity known as Fudo Myoo. Dates from 1800 – 1875 – possibly even earlier. Traces of old gesso and polychrome on the figure and the carved rocks on which it sits on the raised gold painted base. The total piece measures 6 1/2" high including the base – the figure alone is 4 1/2" high by 4" wide by 3" deep – the attached stand measures 5" wide by 3 5/8" deep by 1 7/8" high. Excellent condition with great old patina. There is a signature seal on the base – not translated. Fudo Myoo ("the immutable one"), the Buddhist divinity of fire, is one of the most important beings venerated at Akakura Mountain Shrine. He is known by his flaming sword and rope, with which he slashes away material connections and binds up evil-doers. The origin of Fudo Myoo, the central deity of the Five Great Kings of Light, derives from Hindu influences on Esoteric Buddhism. His function was to uphold Buddhist law and attack such evils as ignorance and passion. Although he appears wrathful, his anger is compassionate and protective. Sculptures of Fudo Myoo were commonly used on temple altars and put outside buildings to frighten evil spirits. He typically holds two tools to assist him in his battle against ignorance: his lasso (missing from this figure) to seize people and lead them to salvation, and his sword to conquer doubt and illusion with intelligence and truth. | |||||||||||||
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