An Early Wooden Carving with Gold Leaf – of Nichiren
July 2015 Auction by Far East Asian Art

This is a superb 17th-18th century, Edo period carving of the Famous Buddhist monk Nichiren. He is seen in a seated position on what must have been a throne type chair - now missing. We believe it must have been removed from a temple shrine many years ago. The entire exterior appears to have been covered in gold leaf – some of which has begun peeling away. It is also possible that the piece was covered in thick gesso and gilded...