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Wood and Lacquered Figure of Jizo Bosatsu, Meiji browse these categories for related items... All Items: Antiques:Regional Art:Asian:Japanese:Devotional Objects: Pre 1900: item # 739671 Please refer to our stock # 11-287 when inquiring.
B & C Antiques P. O. Box 291 Derby, CT 06418 203-929-7312 Guest Book $795 |
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This wooden figure is a wonderful hand-carved rendering of a standing Jizo, the bosatsu (Buddhist saint) who is one of the most popular and revered Buddhist deities in Japan. Early Meiji period, mid-19th century to late 19th century. His patient, gentle face is very tranquil, and his simply rendered facial expression reflects a deep inner peace and serenity. His shaven head and bare chest were covered with gold lacquer, and his robes bear many coats of a brownish/red lacquer covering. In his right hand he holds a shakujo, the staff with six rings which is carried by mendicant priests to awaken us from our deluded dreams, and his left hand holds a precious jewel which signifies that he bestows treasures and wealth on all beings. He stand upon a small carved wooden base. Along with Kannon Bodhistattva (Godess of Mercy), Jizo is perhaps the most popular deity of the common people. He incorporates attributes from both Buddhist traditions and from earlier Shinto beliefs and Shinto kami (deities). He is guardian to children and travelers and pregnant women. Most Jizo statues hold a jewel in the left hand and a staff in the right hand, forming the standard iconography of this deity. Jizo is also often portrayed in the "one foot slightly forward" pose to indicate that Jizo is walking in the present world. CONDITION is very good with wonderful original patina. A particularly nice feature is that he retains his original staff. There is some flaking of the lacquer commensurate with age. DIMENSIONS: 12 ½” (31.8 cm) high, 3 ½” (8.9 cm) wide, approximately 2 ½” (6.4 cm) deep. |
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