Japan | Mid-20th century | Bronze | H 89 × W approx. 75 cm | approx. 60–70 kg
This large Japanese bronze represents Amida Buddha (Amitabha), the Buddha of Infinite Light and the central figure of Japanese Pure Land Buddhism. With a height of approximately 89 cm and an estimated weight of 60–70 kg, it has a commanding architectural presence suited to a substantial interior, meditation space or sheltered garden setting.
The sculpture draws visibly on the monumental visual language associated with the famous Kamakura Daibutsu. That comparison describes its stylistic inspiration only: this is a mid-20th-century Japanese-school bronze, not a Kamakura-period object.
Amida and the Mida no Jōin
The hands are arranged in the Mida no Jōin, a meditation gesture closely associated with Amida in Japanese Buddhist iconography. The broad shoulders, calm facial expression, low seated posture and strongly patterned hair curls reinforce the deliberate reference to monumental Japanese Buddhist sculpture.
Surface and provenance
The bronze has developed a dark brown to olive patina with irregular weathering across exposed areas. It stood outdoors in a Dutch private garden for approximately 28 years, which explains much of the mature surface variation.
The sculpture was purchased in 1998 from Kwan Yin Import B.V. in The Hague for 3,525 Dutch guilders. The original sales receipt is no longer available, so this provenance is recorded as owner history rather than presented as documentary proof.
Key details
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Subject: Amida / Amitabha Buddha
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School: Japanese
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Date: Mid-20th century
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Material: Bronze
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Mudra: Mida no Jōin
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Style: Kamakura Daibutsu-inspired
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Dimensions: H 89 × W approx. 75 cm
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Weight: approx. 60–70 kg
Condition
The surface shows extensive outdoor patination, weathering and tonal variation. These are part of the bronze's history and have not been polished away. Please study the photographs closely for the current condition and surface character.
