Until 31st Dec, 2025
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A RARE LACQUERED WOOD FIGURE OF KANNON BOSATSU, LATE HEIAN PERIOD, WITH C14 TEST CONFIRMING THE DATING
Lot 147 - JPN0625
Japan, late Heian period (794-1185)
Scientific Analysis Report: The result of a radiocarbon dating test conducted by RCD Lockinge, from a sample taken in November 2023 of the present sculpture’s hem, is consistent with the dating of this lot. A copy of the signed report, dated 31 May 2024, accompanies this lot.
The bodhisattva of compassion is standing in samabhanga with the left hand holding a lotus flower and the right raised in vitarka mudra, dressed in long flowing robes cascading in richly carved folds and a billowing sash framing the arms. The face with a serene expression marked by heavy-lidded eyes inlaid in crystal with dark pupils ringed in red centered by a large recessed urna, flanked by pendulous earlobes, the hair combed into a tall chignon behind an ornate headdress.
HEIGHT 40.3 cm
Condition: Good condition with old wear, few natural age cracks, small losses to the crown, the inlay to the urna lost, remnants of gilt, small apertures to the back, expected flaking to lacquer, minor touchups and old repairs, drilled hole from sample-taking.
Provenance: European private collection.
Literature comparison:
Compare a closely related wood figure of Kannon Bosatsu, dated to the late Heian period, in the Hogonji Temple on the small island of Chikubu in the offing of Lake Biwa. Compare a related gilt wood figure of Kannon Bosatsu, dated to the 11th century, 95.3 cm tall, in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, object number 48.162.1a, b.
Auction comparison:
Compare a closely related larger wood figure of Gakko Bosatsu, dated 12th-13th century, 82.6 cm tall, at Christie’s, An inquiring mind: American Collecting of Japanese and Korean Art, 15 April 2016, New York, lot 6 (sold for USD 40,000).
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