Rare Vintage, Antiques and Art Collector / Curator / Personal Shopper From Japan
Edo Period Fudō Myōō Standing Sculpture with Glass Eyes | Carved Wood Buddhist Guardian | Late Edo–Bakumatsu Japan
Edo Period Fudō Myōō Standing Sculpture with Glass Eyes | Carved Wood Buddhist Guardian | Late Edo–Bakumatsu Japan
Couldn't load pickup availability
Have a reasonable price in mind? Submit your best offer and our concierge will review it personally.
Edo Period Fudō Myōō Standing Sculpture with Glass Eyes
This late Edo-period carving of Fudō Myōō, the Immovable Wisdom King, exemplifies the uncompromising spiritual intensity of Japanese Esoteric Buddhist sculpture. Carved in wood and animated through the insertion of glass eyes, the figure confronts the viewer with a gaze intended to cut through delusion itself.
The sculpture reflects devotional production associated with Shingon and Shugendō practice, where Fudō Myōō served as both protector and disciplinarian. The use of glass eyes dramatically heightens realism and presence, a technique reserved for spiritually significant figures.
Surface wear, patina, and aging are consistent with sustained ritual use, reinforcing authenticity rather than detracting from value. Surviving handwritten documents suggest formal temple provenance.
Who is Fudō Myōō?
Fudō Myōō represents immovable resolve and compassionate wrath. Though fearsome in appearance, his role is to forcefully guide beings toward enlightenment when gentler teachings fail.
Attributes traditionally include:
- A sword to sever ignorance
- A rope to bind negative forces
- A powerful, grounded stance symbolizing unshakable resolve
GLASS EYES (GYOKUGAN) — TECHNICAL & CULTURAL CONTEXT
Glass eye insertion became increasingly sophisticated in the Edo period. Small glass hemispheres were set from behind the carved eye sockets, creating reflections and depth unattainable with pigment alone. This technique was reserved for high-impact devotional figures and dramatically elevated spiritual presence.
PERIOD & ORIGIN
Estimated Date: Late Edo period (circa mid–19th century)
Material: Carved wood with glass eyes, pigment and lacquer remnants
Likely Context: Temple hall or mountain worship site (Shingon / Shugendō)
ESTIMATED DIMENSIONS
Height: approx. 58–60 cm
Details
- Period: Late Edo (19th century)
- Material: Carved wood with glass eyes
- Height: approx. 58–60 cm
CONFIDENCE & VERIFICATION NOTES
This work is presented as an Edo-period devotional sculpture based on stylistic analysis, construction methods, and accompanying documents. As with all antique religious works, exact authorship is unknown. Condition reflects age and ritual use.
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.
