East Asia, Japan, Edo Period, ca. 17th to 18th century CE. An aesthetically pleasing, hand-carved wooden figure, kneeling or standing, with his hands clasped in front in reverence or prayer. This man may represent a Buddha or other Buddhist follower, such as a monk or Bodhisattva. He is dressed in flowing robes and his head has a serene visage with downcast eyes. His ears are elongated, characteristic of Buddhist iconography, and his head has traces of his tightly coiled coiffure that was gathered in a top knot. The verso has remnants of painted black pigments of Japanese characters. The wood has nice areas of smooth patina, and the weathered surface certainly adds a nice sense of age to this watchful figure. This style of wooden sculpture is similar to pieces made by the famed sculptor and monk Enku (1632-1695 CE). Enku dedicated his life to carving nearly 120,000 statues of Buddha and Bodhisattvas which he used to pay for lodging and food! Size: 4.5" W x 14.5" H (11.4 cm x 36.8 cm)
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-private Kyoto, Japan collection
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#164586
Condition
Stable pressure fissures vertically across body as shown. Old inactive insect holes across surface. Abrasions and losses to high pointed areas, base, and sides as shown. Stands upright on a stable base with areas of nice patina. Traces of painted characters.