Shrine
Category
Objets de vertu
Date
Unknown
Materials
resin & gilt & brass & glass & wood
Measurements
280 x 100 x 75 mm
Order this imageCollection
Kedleston Hall, Derbyshire
NT 107446
Summary
A Japanese portable shrine containing a standing figure of Buddha. The shrine is made from black lacquer with brass mounts and hinges. The interior has a coat of gilt. The figure of Buddha is made from wood and stands on a gilt lotus pedastal and has a metal mandola. Although the hands are missing, the gesture the Buddha is making is one of fearlessness (abhaya mudra). The right hand is at shoulder height with palm facing the onlooker, while the left hand has fingers pointing to the ground with the palm facing the viewer. This is an ancient sign of peace and according to Buddhist legend, the Buddha was able to calm a raging elephant by using this gesture. '[A Japanese lacquered wood shrine with gilt brass mounts, the interior with a figure of Buddha] A similar shrine' (Christie's entry)
Provenance
Purchased in 1986 by the National Heritage Memorial Fund from Francis Curzon, 3rd Viscount Scarsdale (1924-2000). Gifted to the National Trust in 1987 by the National Heritage Memorial Fund.