Rare Vintage, Antiques and Art Collector / Curator / Personal Shopper From Japan
Early Edo Giltwood Seated Amida Nyorai (Amitabha) — Gyokugan Inlaid Eyes, 28cm Japanese Buddhist Sculpture
Early Edo Giltwood Seated Amida Nyorai (Amitabha) — Gyokugan Inlaid Eyes, 28cm Japanese Buddhist Sculpture
Couldn't load pickup availability
Have a reasonable price in mind? Submit your best offer and our concierge will review it personally.
Archive Note. A serene Early Edo-period seated Amida Nyorai (Amitabha Buddha), carved in wood with gyokugan (inlaid) eyes and traces of historic gilding. The expression is calm, inward, and devotional—made for a household altar or temple setting, now entering the collector’s archive as a sculptural object with lived patina.
Highlights
- Early Edo-period style seated Amida Nyorai (Amitabha), carved wood
- Gyokugan inlaid eyes (a prized traditional feature that intensifies presence)
- Historic surface with remnants of gilt and age-toned lacquer/wood patina
- Strong altar silhouette: lotus-seat posture, balanced proportions, dignified face
Dimensions
Approx. 28 cm height × 24 cm width × 17.5 cm depth (hand-measured; minor variance expected).
Who is this deity?
Amida Nyorai (Sanskrit: Amitabha) is the Buddha of Infinite Light, central to Pure Land Buddhism. Devotees contemplate Amida as a compassionate presence and a promise of rebirth in the Western Pure Land—an icon of refuge, calm, and luminous clarity. In Japanese home altars, Amida often functions as the quiet “center of gravity” for prayer and remembrance.
Internal reading: Amida Nyorai Guide · Pure Land Buddhism · What are Gyokugan Eyes?
Scholar’s Lens
The gyokugan technique—crystal-like inserts set into the eye sockets—creates a living gaze that reads differently under changing light. In sculpture history, it is associated with high craftsmanship and a deliberate attempt to “activate” the icon for devotional intimacy. Traces of gilding suggest the figure once carried a brighter, more radiant temple finish; today, the softened tones and surface wear communicate age and authenticity.
Condition
Age-appropriate wear, surface rubbing, and small losses consistent with historic devotional objects. Please review photos closely for condition details. No modern restoration is claimed unless explicitly stated below.
Confidence & Verification Notes
- Period attribution is stylistic/market-based; exact date and temple provenance are not guaranteed.
- Materials are described from visible characteristics (wood, historic surface, inlaid eyes); internal construction may vary.
- If you need specific confirmations (repairs, insect activity, joinery), request additional images before purchase.
Collector’s Resonance
For collectors who want a calm, uncompromising devotional presence—something less decorative and more real. This is for the person building a serious Buddhist sculpture shelf, the interior designer creating a contemplative corner, or the archivist who values inlaid eyes and the quiet authority of Early Edo carving.
Explore the full archive: Buddhist Sculpture Collection
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.
