Portable Shrine with Amitabha Buddha and Two Bodhisattva Attendants
Japanese
Description
Subject Matter:
This portable shrine contains a seated figure of Amida Buddha accompanied by two standing Bodhisattva attendants. Each of the deities’ heads are encircled by bronze mandorlas, or halos. All three figures are placed upon lotus platforms, symbolizing their purity. The exterior surface of the shrine’s doors are decorated with ornate bronze panels, rendered using the same curvilinear forms seen along the shrine’s plinth. Amitabha is the central deity in Japan’s Pure Land sect and is primarily associated with wishes for salvation and rebirth. In this shrine, Amitabha is seated in the lotus pose with both hands arranged in the dhyana mudra, a meditative hand gesture symbolizing the contemplative mode. Portable shrines such as the one seen here enabled devotees to privately worship the Buddha within the comfort of their own home.
Physical Description:
Black lacquered case with two double-hinged doors that curve around the side and meet in the center. In the case are three small metal figures, two standing in the front and one seated in the back.
Usage Rights:
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