19th century Japanese parcel gilt figure of a bodhisattva, probably Seishi Bosatsu, modelled standing atop a lotus dais with finely carved petals, the left hand holding a lotus flower in bud, dressed in flowing robes, the face centered by an urna (byakugo), before scroll-carved aureole (kohai), 55.3cm high

Seishi Bosatsu (Mahasthamaprapta), also known as the Bodhisattva of strength and wisdom, is often depicted holding a lotus flower. The deity is one of a trinity with Amitabha (Amida) and Avalokiteshvara (Kannon / Guanyin). Literature comparison: Compare a closely related gilt wood figure of Seishi Bosatsu, dated 18th century, 143.2 cm high, in the Museum für Asiatische Kunst, Humboldt Forum, Berlin, reference number DLG 134-1996. Compare a related gilt wood figure of Seishi Bosatsu, dated 17th or 18th century, 81.3 cm high, in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 2006.438a–e.Auction comparison: Compare a related gilt wood figure of Amida, dated to the early Edo period and measuring 180 cm, sold at Christie's, Art D' Asie, 10 December 2020, Paris, lot 65