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This is a vintage brass replica of the Great Buddha of Kamakura (Kamakura Daibutsu), representing Amida Nyorai (the Buddha of Infinite Light).
Key Characteristics:
The Iconography: This figurine is modeled directly after the historic 13th-century monumental bronze statue at Kotoku-in temple in Kamakura, Japan. It is instantly recognizable by the unique Amida Jo-in mudra (meditation gesture) where the hands rest in the lap with the thumbs touching to form two circles, alongside the heavily draped, low-slung robe exposing a small portion of the chest.
Material & Condition: It is made of solid cast brass/bronze. The base shows a distinct green verdigris patina, a natural oxidation that occurs over several decades when brass or copper alloys are exposed to moisture and air.
Era: The presence of a solid base covered in flocking changes things slightly. It means this figurine was not mass-produced as a cheap, hollow souvenir shell. Instead, it was manufactured specifically as a vintage paperweight, bookend, or fine desk accessory designed to protect polished tabletop surfaces from scratches.
The red backing is highly characteristic of Japanese export wares manufactured during the mid-century modern era, particularly from the 1950s through the 1970s. This combination of a substantial 9.6cm height and a protective flocking layer means it was designed specifically as a premium desk ornament, mantel piece, or heavy paperweight.
It measures 9.6cm in height, 9.6cm in width and 4.7cm in depth.
