A black-lacquerd shrine of Amida Buddha

Description:

Japan, late Edo period
29 x 13,5 x 6 cm (Figur H. 13,5 cm)
The shrine with a curved, domed roof and black lacquer finish, fitted with two outward-opening hinged doors. The inner surfaces of the doors are entirely decorated in gold lacquer with a fine geometric pattern of diamonds and stars. The upper interior features an elaborately carved and polychrome-decorated canopy with cloud and dragon motifs in blue, red and gold, flanked by two slender reddish-brown pillars. At the centre stands a finely carved figure of Amida Nyorai in an upright position. His right hand is raised in the abhayamudra, the gesture of fearlessness, while his left hand is lowered in a gesture of blessing. His flowing monastic robes are articulated with finely incised parallel lines. The figure stands on an elaborate, multi-tiered gilt lotus pedestal, set before a circular halo.
From a South German private collection - Partially traces of age, only few tiny chips and rest.