1978.26.A-B Buddha of the Western Paradise (Amida Nyorai)

The gilt wooden statue of Amida, the Buddha of Light who welcomed souls to the Western Paradise, or Pure Land, reflects the gentle, consoling character of Buddhism that developed during the Fujiwara period. The Buddha Amida, and the promise of rebirth, were popularized by the holy man Eshin Sozu during the period of Fujiwara influence, characterized by a sense of idealism and refinement. The delicate small-featured figure, depicted with the quiet grace of late Fujiwara style, presents the promise of peace. Yet the work is unmistakably Japanese, for in place of the soft, relaxed forms of Chinese Buddhist sculpture it has a Japanese taut, upright outline. 

Japan (nation): TGN: 1000120

wood (plant material): AAT: 300011914

Late Heian: AAT: 300106598

Japanese Buddhism: AAT: 300022000

sculpture: AAT: 300047090

Buddhism: AAT: 300073738

religious objects: AAT: 300234098

Before 1978: Mathias Komor Fine Arts and Antiquities, New York.

1978: Dallas Museum of Fine Arts, The Art Museum League Fund purchase from above. [1]

The main source for this provenance is the Dallas Museum of Fine Arts acquisition record dated September 28, 1978, copy in Dallas Museum of Art Collections Records Object File. Exceptions and supporting documents are noted. 

[1] The name of the Dallas Museum of Fine Arts, founded in 1933, was changed to the Dallas Museum of Art in 1983.

Apply to objects where number equals 1978.26.A-B