Miniature Dainichi Nyorai – Still

A compact seated Dainichi Nyorai (Vairocana) modeled after the celebrated Kamakura-period image associated with the sculptor Unkei, rendered here in a palm-sized scale with a calm, steady presence.

Carved in fine-grained tsuge (Japanese boxwood) and finished with carefully supervised gilding, this miniature brings the proportions and facial character of the historic model into an ultra-compact format that suits a shelf, desk, or small display space.

About this piece

This is a small-scale wood carving created in the “ultra-compact Buddha” series, based on the National Treasure Great Vairocana Buddha seated statue known as an early masterpiece connected to Unkei of the Kamakura period. The figure is carved from tsuge (boxwood), chosen for its density and suitability for crisp detail at small sizes; achieving the facial features and balanced proportions at roughly 10 cm is a central part of the work. The surface is finished with refined gold leaf, with the coloring and gilding supervision credited to Buddhist statue coloring specialist Ms. Chihiro Takamura, and the gilding executed by the Isumu studio under her guidance. The piece is presented in a special paulownia wood box with a foil-stamped logo.

Cultural note

In Japan, images of Dainichi Nyorai are most closely associated with Esoteric Buddhism (Mikkyō), where Dainichi is regarded as the central Buddha and a source from which other Buddhas are understood to appear. Such figures are commonly approached as devotional images: kept in a clean, settled place, handled with calm attention, and treated as something more than decoration. A respectful approach is to place it slightly above eye level if possible, avoid putting it directly on the floor, and refrain from casual handling; when moving it, use both hands and a steady, considerate mindset.

Details

• Size: H95 × W51mm × D51mm
• Weight: 55g
• Material: Tsuge (Japanese boxwood)
• Origin: Made in China

Placement & care

• Place on a stable, level surface where it won’t be easily bumped or knocked over.
• Avoid direct sunlight and high humidity to help preserve the wood and gilded finish.
• Dust gently with a soft, dry brush or cloth; avoid water, cleaners, or abrasives.
• If displaying with other objects, give it a dedicated, uncluttered space to prevent accidental contact.

Shipping timeline

• This product will be shipped within 2-3 business days.