East Asia, Japan, Edo to Meiji Period, ca. mid to late 19th century CE. A beautiful wood carving of Sho Kannon the Japanese version of Guanyin or Avalokiteshvara, the sacred Bodhisattva of compassion. Sho Kannon is depicted as either male or female, here, the man version stands barefoot on a three-tiered lotus pedestal. The figure and upper half of the lotus petals are carved separately, and tenoned into the discoidal base via a peg. Lengthy robes cascade in folds down his slender figure and his arms are draped with sashes and the raised hand may have once held a lotus flower, while the other hand forms a mudra gesture. His serene visage displays elegantly arched brows, down-turned eyes beneath heavy lids, a petite nose, pursed lips, and rounded chin. His hair is piled into an ushnisha atop his head, and long ears frame either side of his head, representing his rejection of the material life and earthly pleasures. The surface is lacquered in a dark brown with some wear to pigment that creates a lovely, weathered appearance throughout. Size: 8.5" W x 25" H (21.6 cm x 63.5 cm)
Bodhisattvas are among the most compassionate beings in the universe, devoting themselves to saving the suffering and helping others achieve enlightenment and Buddhahood. Traditionally depicted as less austere than Buddhas with graceful postures and elegant garments, a nod to the riches of the Northwestern Chinese Silk Road, this piece is no exception. Bodhisattvas or Guanyin are associated with compassion and mercy - their long ears significant, because they rescue all human beings by hearing their cries for help and the sounds of suffering.
Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private Massachusetts, USA collection
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#169720
Condition
Abrasions and chips to surface throughout the figure and pedestal, but otherwise intact. Chipping and losses to lacquered surface that. Figure and upper half of pedestal are detachable from base. Overall excellent condition!