大日如来坐像|Dainichi, the Cosmic Buddha (Mahavairocana)

Unknown

12th century · Wood with lacquer and gold leaf · Asian Art

In Esoteric Buddhism, the entire universe is believed to emanate from Dainichi Nyorai, the supreme Buddha of the cosmos. Dainichi’s mudra, with the left index finger surrounded by the fingers of the right hand, is known as the “wisdom fist.” This powerful gesture expresses the union of the spiritual and material realms and is thought to restrain passions hindering the practitioner’s enlightenment. In paintings and sculptures, Dainichi often assumes this pose while surrounded by the other four Wisdom Buddhas, representing the metaphysical world of complete enlightenment—known as the Diamond Realm in Esoteric doctrines.

Artist

Unknown

Date

12th century

Medium

Wood with lacquer and gold leaf

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1926