Shokyusai Tomoyuki

Late 15th-early 16th centuries

Bronze, black and red lacquer, gilt, mother-of-pearl H 44 cm

This sculpture represents a widespread type of the iconography ‘Buddha calling the Earth to Witness', which since the 15th century has been known as Buddha Maravijaya, Buddha overcoming Mara, the prince of Dark: such pose and position of the hands represent one of the episodes from the life of Buddha, when, deep in meditation and challenged by the wicked Mara, he touched the earth with the fingers of his right hand, calling upon Mother Earth to witness his evolutionary right to enlightenment; Mara was overcome.

The Buddha is sitting on a throne framed with lotus petals covered with black and red lacquer, the legs are in the Vajrasana pose. Smooth modelling and spiritual nature make this work one of the best in the Hermitage collection.