Antique Japanese Traveling Altar Aizen Myoo or Ragaraja King of Wisdom Funno Son

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About the Item

An antique Japanese traveling altar of Aizen Myoo or Ragaraja. I believe the object to be older than the 'early 20th century' guess I offered, but I'm really not sure. The carved deity sits inside the red lacquered altar, doors easily open and close. It would appear that his six hands no longer hold all of the items they had originally. The gilt interior glistens with sumptuous richness. The carved and polychrome figure sits atop a lotus flower. The lotus flower sits atop a draped form perched atop yet another tiered base. The red exterior boldly proclaims the emotive power. This King of Wisdom with a Funnu-Son, or fierce expression, was originally a god to express love, hence the red body. From the Japanese Wiki website, I'd like to share with you a bit about the origin of Aizen Myoo: "The theoretical origin of Aizen Myoo is not known, but judging from one of the mantras of Aizen Myoo, 'Fun Takki Fun Jaha Fun,' it seems related to Takkiraja (Kama Raja （カーマ・ラージャ)), the tenth Funnu-son in the latter stage of Mikkyo. It is said that the word "takki" means love or death, but the exact origin of the word is not known." And I'd like to reiterate, "the word "takki" means love or death". This is powerful stuff. But there's more. From the Metropolitan Museum of Art website, "The blood-red body and flaming halo of Aizen Myōō, the Wisdom King of Passion, symbolize how, in Buddhist practice, the violent energies of carnality and desire can be converted in the pursuit of enlightenment. Aizen Myōō is the embodiment of rage: his hair stands on end, a snarling lion rises from his head, and his six arms brandish Esoteric Buddhist weapons and other emblems of power. The bow and arrow in his middle hands are attributes appropriated from Kama, the Hindu god of love. In contrast to this righteous anger, jewels of good fortune forming flaming clusters spill from a vase in front of the deity’s lotus throne. While Aizen Myōō’s appearance may instill fear, the faithful afflicted with problems of the heart address him as a popular intercessor." Of course this description is for an object in the collection of the Met, however, the foundation is the same. Passion. Anger. Love. Rage. Gotta say, I can relate. At least to two of them.

Dimensions:
Height: 9.25 in (23.5 cm)Width: 6.25 in (15.88 cm)Depth: 4.75 in (12.07 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Giltwood,Lacquer,Wood
Place of Origin:
Japan
Period:
Early 20th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1920's
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. In good antique condition with age appropriate wear. Some losses. Surface wear.
Seller Location:
Atlanta, GA
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU7240234811812