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Aizen Myōō (Rāgarāja) Wooden Gilt Polychrome Statue, Edo Period Revival Style, 27cm — Esoteric Buddhism Guardian Deity
Aizen Myōō (Rāgarāja) Wooden Gilt Polychrome Statue, Edo Period Revival Style, 27cm — Esoteric Buddhism Guardian Deity
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Aizen Myōō (Rāgarāja) Wooden Gilt Polychrome Statue — 27cm
This striking wooden sculpture represents Aizen Myōō (Rāgarāja), one of the Five Wisdom Kings of Esoteric Buddhism. Rendered in vivid polychromy with gilt detailing, the figure radiates controlled ferocity, sacred passion, and transformational power. The intense expression, flaming mandorla, and dynamic posture embody Aizen’s role as a deity who transmutes worldly desire into enlightened wisdom.
The carving demonstrates refined late‑Edo to early revival craftsmanship, with sharp facial modeling, layered lacquer pigments, and careful attention to symbolic attributes. Despite its compact scale, the statue possesses exceptional presence, making it suitable for both private altar devotion and advanced Buddhist art collections.
Who Is Aizen Myōō?
Aizen Myōō is revered within Shingon Buddhism as the deity who converts human attachment and longing into spiritual awakening. His flaming mandorla and intense gaze symbolize desire refined into wisdom.
This diety is the Wisdom King of desire, love, and human attachment. Unlike wrathful protectors who subdue external evil, Aizen transforms inner passions—romantic longing, obsession, and ambition—into the fuel for awakening. He is closely associated with Shingon Esoteric Buddhism and ritual practices focused on spiritual empowerment and emotional mastery.
Iconographic features include:
• Fierce, passionate facial expression
• Flaming halo symbolizing burning defilements transformed into wisdom
• Multi‑armed form holding vajra and ritual implements
• Red or gold tones representing vitality and desire
Aizen Myōō is often invoked for harmonious relationships, spiritual charisma, and overcoming emotional suffering.
Details
- Material: Wood, lacquer, gilt, mineral pigments
- Height: approx. 27 cm
- Period: Edo‑period revival style
- Origin: Japan
Condition
Age‑appropriate wear, minor pigment losses, structurally stable.
This piece is suitable for private altar use or as a museum‑grade collector object.
CONDITION REPORT
• Age‑appropriate surface wear
• Minor abrasions and small losses to pigment and gilding
• Small chips consistent with devotional handling
• Structurally stable
This condition is consistent with historical devotional objects and does not detract from display presence.
COLLECTOR RELEVANCE
This sculpture appeals to:
• Collectors of Esoteric Buddhist iconography
• Shingon ritual practitioners
• Interior curators seeking sacred focal objects
• Advanced collectors of Japanese religious sculpture
Aizen Myōō figures of this quality and expressive intensity are increasingly scarce on the open market.
Authenticity & Stewardship
Evaluated under the Japonista Authentication Framework™:
- Material, carving, and surface-study comparison
- Iconographic and stylistic verification
- Condition and stability review (surface integrity)
- Construction assessment and handling-risk evaluation
Guaranteed 100% Authentic. Covered by the Japonista Lifetime Authenticity Warranty™.
A Note on Stewardship and Collecting
At Japonista, we approach Buddhist statues, sacred images, and ritual objects not merely as collectibles, but as cultural and spiritual artifacts deserving of respect, understanding, and careful presentation. Every piece we offer is thoughtfully examined, researched, and curated with sensitivity to its origin, meaning, and historical role.
Our role is not only to offer access to rare and meaningful objects, but to serve as responsible custodians—connecting the right works with collectors who value depth, intention, and authenticity.
Inquiries, Availability, and Private Consideration
Some of the cultural and heritage works may allow room for discussion, while others are held firmly due to rarity, condition, or cultural importance. All inquiries are reviewed personally and discreetly, and we welcome thoughtful questions or expressions of interest.
If you are exploring a particular theme, deity, lineage, or period—or seeking guidance in building a focused collection—our concierge team is always available to assist with quiet expertise and care.
Concierge Support & Collector Guidance
Japonista Concierge™ provides personalized assistance for collectors seeking deeper understanding, thoughtful acquisition, or long-term curation strategies. Whether your interest is devotional, scholarly, or aesthetic, we are here to help guide your journey with clarity and respect.
For select high-value or historically significant works, private reservation or structured payment arrangements may be available on a case-by-case basis. Please reach out to discuss eligibility and discreet options.
Before Proceeding
We kindly encourage collectors to review our shop policies and house guidelines, available through the links in our website footer, which outline shipping, handling, and conditions specific to vintage, sacred, and collectible works.
A Closing Note
Thank you for exploring Japonista’s collection of Oriental Cultural Heritage and arts. We are honored to share these meaningful works and to help place them where they may continue to be appreciated, studied, and respected.
If you have questions or wish to explore related works, please feel free to contact Japonista Concierge™ at any time.
