A RARE AND LARGE LACQUER-GILT WOOD FIGURE OF SEISHI BOSATSU, MUROMACHI PERIOD Japan, 15th-16th century, Muromachi period (1336-1573) Seishi Bosatsu (Mahasthamaprapta), also known as the Bodhisattva of strength and wisdom, is standing in a pose of reverence, slightly kneeling and leaning forwards, the hands together in gassho-in. The facial features are finely crafted, radiating with compassion and wisdom, the eyes are down-cast and the third eye is carved on the forehead. The hair is tied into a top knot with a water jar inside, representing wisdom. She wears the original gilt brass crown elaborately carved with a bird. The figure is set on the original gilt-lacquered lotus base, specifically fitted for this figure. Note particularly the expressively carved garment folds and flowing garlands. Seishi Bosatsu was usually depicted within an Amid triad with Amida Buddha in the center and Kannon to the left. HEIGHT total 88 cm, HEIGHT figure only 62.5 cm Condition: Overall very good and original condition considering the age of the figure. The gilt-lacquer coating is very well-preserved. There are some scattered losses to lacquer, very minor professional touch-ups, smaller chips, sections of the garland and the right foot have been re-attached. Small losses to the crown and the ornamental gilt brass necklace has been lost. Provenance: French private collection. The present lot was previously acquired at the PIASA sale in Paris, France, on December 16th, 2004, lot 309. Auction comparison: A related figure belonging to the same triad was offered by Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 6 November 2014, London, lot 275 (estimate 15.000-20.000 GBP).