A RARE LACQUER GILT 18th CENTURY BRONZE OF FUDO MYO-O (ACALA)Lacquer gilt bronzeJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The wisdom king is depicted somewhat youthful but nonetheless menacing, standing upright on a plinth with a e- Ken sword, also known as the wisdom sword, in his right hand. In his left hand he is holding a Kensaku rope, which is used to bind and catch demons and evildoers, thus upholding the Buddhist law. The combination of the two attributes together are used to ‘tie and kill’ all evil. Fudo Myo-o has a grim facial expression and well-expressed bushy curls on his head. The figure has been lacquer-gilt in the front and has developed a very fine patina over time. Representations of Fudo Myo-o executed in bronze are very rare, as most figures are made from wood, often pigmented or lacquered. Shape: Figural standing on a plinthDimensions: Height 20 cmCondition: The figure in excellent condition with a fine patina. The mandorla is lost.Provenance: Collection of Dr. Frank S. Janotta who had acquired it at Trocadero – Kenny & Higgins Asian art Inc., Washington, on 12th April 1986 (old invoice and numerous other old collector paperwork included in this lot).Literature comparison: For a detailed explanation of Fudo Myo-o’s attributes see Ernest Dale Saunders, A study of symbolic gestures in Japanese Buddhist sculpture, Princeton University Press, 1985, pages 172-173 & 182-183Auction result comparison: Another bronze of Fudo Myo-o was sold at Christie’s, Japanese and Korean Art, New York, 24 March 2010, lot 597