Japanese Seated Figure of Amida

This intricately carved seated figure depicts the Amitābha, the Buddha of Infinite Light. Known also as Amida in Japan, he is the oldest and most important of the five celestial Buddhas of Mahayana Buddhism. Amida symbolizes the transformation of greed into wisdom and embodies pure perception and discernment. He is depicted here with his hands in the dhyana mudra, the Gesture of Absolute Balance, in such deep meditation that objective consciousness has been removed. His meditation is elevated by a blossoming lotus throne upon a tiered pagoda, and framed by a detailed, flame-shaped nimbus. Delicately carved and cloaked in dark lacquer, this impeccable Amida figure exudes an aura of calm and awareness.