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White Sandalwood Dainichi Nyorai (Mahavairocana) — Attributed to Arima Raitai — Tomobako
White Sandalwood Dainichi Nyorai (Mahavairocana) — Attributed to Arima Raitai — Tomobako
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Presence: A serene seated Dainichi Nyorai (Mahavairocana), carved in pale “white sandalwood” (seller attribution) and presented with a fitted tomobako. Even at 23.8 cm, the work reads as a complete altar presence—calm, symmetrical, and doctrinally central.
Carving quality: The face is composed and measured: softly modeled cheeks, quiet mouth, inward eyelids. The sculptor prioritizes stillness over drama—ideal for a Dainichi intended to function as a honzon in daily practice rather than as purely decorative Buddhist art.
Material note (collector-safe): The listing describes “white sandalwood.” Light-toned fragrant hardwoods are favored for icons approached at close range; under ambient light the surface shifts between matte honey and pale ivory, and subtle toolwork can emerge with angle changes. Without hands-on inspection, we present wood species as claimed/probable rather than absolute.
Iconography (collector-safe): The mudra and balanced “mandala-center” posture align with Dainichi Nyorai as the Dharmakaya Buddha. In Shingon/Tendai esoteric thought, Dainichi anchors the two-world mandala (Womb Realm and Diamond Realm). Practically, this means a single Dainichi can serve as the conceptual heart of an altar arrangement—complete without requiring a large grouping.
This is the kind of Dainichi collectors keep close—quietly authoritative, doctrinally correct, and sized for lived practice. When the carving is calm, the room becomes calm.
Measurements
- Height: 23.8 cm
- Width: 12 cm
- Depth: 12 cm
Condition
Age-related wear, minor scratches, and soiling consistent with time. Please judge by photographs; small marks are best read as honest age rather than defects.
Included
- Seated Dainichi Nyorai figure
- Fitted tomobako (storage box), as photographed
Why Collect Dainichi Nyorai
- Mandala-center significance: Dainichi is the doctrinal source-buddha of esoteric systems.
- Daily altar usability: calm expression and compact scale suit cabinet display and modern interiors.
- Material desirability: pale fragrant hardwoods carry a premium when carving quality holds up.
- Boxed presentation: fitted tomobako supports long-term storage and gift-grade presentation.
Packing approach: wrap the statue in soft tissue + foam, protect protrusions, place in fitted box, then float the tomobako inside an outer carton with 5–7 cm cushioning on all sides.
Confidence & Verification Notes
Artist attribution and wood species cannot be fully verified without hands-on examination, documentation, or expert appraisal. This listing uses collector-safe language and encourages confirmation if institutional-level certainty is required.
Explore: Why Collect Japanese Buddhist Sculpture • Why Collect Dainichi Nyorai • Concierge
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.
