Description:
A WOOD STATUE OF FUDO MYO-O BY ENKU, 17TH CENTURY
Japan, ca. 1680. The rare, sectioned and carved wood statue retains its original black lacquer coating. Inscribed ‘Shin’ (heart) and ‘Saku’ (made by) with a Kao. Modern wood base.
HEIGHT 87 cm (with the base) and 76 cm (without the base)
WEIGHT 2.4 kilograms
Provenance: From the private collection of Dr. Marcus L., inherited from his parents, who lived in Japan during the 1950s and 1960s. (a detailed provenance letter will be released to the winning bidder)
condition: Losses, wear, age cracks and some minor chipping. Overall impressive and well-presentable condition, especially given the high age and vulnerability of this statue.
Enku (1632–1695) was a Japanese Buddhist monk, poet and sculptor during the early Edo period. He was born in Mino Province (present-day Gifu Prefecture) and is famous for carving wooden statues of Buddha and other Buddhist icons, many of which were given in payment for lodging on his pilgrimages to temples throughout Japan.
Fudo Myo-o (Acala in sanskrit) is seen as a protective deity particularly in the Shingon traditions of old Japan. He is preeminent among the Five Wisdom Kings of the Womb Realm. Accordingly, his figure occupies an important hierarchical position in the Mandala of the Two Realms. In Japan, Acala is highly venerated also in Tendai, Zen, Nichiren Buddhism and in Shugendo. He is also highly revered amongst Yakuza members, who oftentimes draw on his intense facial expression and demeanor.