Momoyama period, late 16th century

Wood with lacquer and traces of gilding.
height: 50 cm including lotus base

Dainichi Nyorai, is known as the supreme Buddha in Esoteric Buddhism (a Buddhism sect of pure teachings as a means to enlightenment) and unlike other Buddhas the he is depicted as a Bosatsu head crowned and arms bejewelled. He is identified by the mudra of the right hand holding the extended forefinger of his clenched left hand in front of his chest signifying wisdom. 

The crown displays five Jina Buddhas presiding over the earths cardinal directions with the front Buddha being the Amithaba the proginator of the Dainichi Nyorai. It is said that the five Buddhas allow the worshipper to see in a glance the compassion of the Buddha and the path to enlightenment.

The crown with the five Ninja Buddhas is seen in Indian Pala art of the 10th century and is extremely rare in Japanese art making this image important.

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