5th Dec, 2025 10:00
Fine Japanese Art
174
AN IMPRESSIVE LARGE GILT AND LACQUERED WOOD FIGURE OF NYOIRIN KANNON, THE BODHISATTVA OF WISH-FULFILLING COMPASSION, LATE KAMAKURA TO EARLY MUROMACHI PERIOD
€7,500
€15,000
A buyer’s premium of 30.00% (including VAT) applies to the hammer price of this lot if your bid is successful.
Japan, 14th-15th century, late Kamakura period (1185-1333) to early Muromachi period (1333-1573)
Finely carved and almost entirely covered in black lacquer with traces of gilt decoration, the deity seated in royal ease atop a lotus pedestal, with one knee raised and the soles of the feet together. The torso inclines gently and the head tilts in contemplation, the principal right arm resting on the raised knee to support the cheek and the left arm drawn back in repose; along the flanks and shoulders are old breaks and filled mortises indicating the former presence of two additional arms. The flowing robes are deeply pleated, opening to reveal the bare torso and traces of jewelry. The serene face is distinguished by heavy-lidded, downcast eyes beneath softly arched brows, centered by a rock crystal byakugo (urna), a slender nose, and full lips set in a calm smile, framed by long pendulous earlobes. The hair is meticulously arranged beneath a gilt band and rises into a high nikkei (ushnisha).
HEIGHT 51.2 cm (figure) and 66.7 cm (total)
Provenance: From an old French private collection.
Condition: Good overall condition, consistent with age. Surface wear, losses, and restorations throughout, including to areas of drapery and the extremities. Minor age cracks, small areas of breakage with corresponding infill and retouching. Traces of overpainting and re-lacquering visible in several areas, likely the result of historical conservation. The filigree metal crown is lost. Typical flaking and rubbing to the gilding. The figure remains visually powerful and well preserved for its age.
The distinctive seated posture identifies the figure as Nyoirin Kannon, the wish-fulfilling manifestation of the bodhisattva Kannon (Avalokiteshvara). In Japanese Buddhism, Nyoirin Kannon is one of the six transformed manifestations (rokuson) of Kannon, associated with the granting of prayers and the compassionate response to the needs of the world.
Museum comparison:
Compare a related delicate small-scale image of Nyoirin kannon, 32.7 cm high, dated 1275, the figure formerly in the Tennoji temple, Osaka, now in the Nara National Museum (multiple images accessible at https://www.narahaku.go.jp/collection/v-1070-1.html).
Auction comparison:
Compare a closely related figure of Noyirin kannon, dated 13th/14th century, Kamakura period, 43.1 cm high, at Bonhams, Property from the Collection of Drs. Edmund and Julie Lewis Part I, 11 September 2019, New York, lot 552 (sold for USD 35,075 or approx. EUR 38,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing).
Japan, 14th-15th century, late Kamakura period (1185-1333) to early Muromachi period (1333-1573)
Finely carved and almost entirely covered in black lacquer with traces of gilt decoration, the deity seated in royal ease atop a lotus pedestal, with one knee raised and the soles of the feet together. The torso inclines gently and the head tilts in contemplation, the principal right arm resting on the raised knee to support the cheek and the left arm drawn back in repose; along the flanks and shoulders are old breaks and filled mortises indicating the former presence of two additional arms. The flowing robes are deeply pleated, opening to reveal the bare torso and traces of jewelry. The serene face is distinguished by heavy-lidded, downcast eyes beneath softly arched brows, centered by a rock crystal byakugo (urna), a slender nose, and full lips set in a calm smile, framed by long pendulous earlobes. The hair is meticulously arranged beneath a gilt band and rises into a high nikkei (ushnisha).
HEIGHT 51.2 cm (figure) and 66.7 cm (total)
Provenance: From an old French private collection.
Condition: Good overall condition, consistent with age. Surface wear, losses, and restorations throughout, including to areas of drapery and the extremities. Minor age cracks, small areas of breakage with corresponding infill and retouching. Traces of overpainting and re-lacquering visible in several areas, likely the result of historical conservation. The filigree metal crown is lost. Typical flaking and rubbing to the gilding. The figure remains visually powerful and well preserved for its age.
The distinctive seated posture identifies the figure as Nyoirin Kannon, the wish-fulfilling manifestation of the bodhisattva Kannon (Avalokiteshvara). In Japanese Buddhism, Nyoirin Kannon is one of the six transformed manifestations (rokuson) of Kannon, associated with the granting of prayers and the compassionate response to the needs of the world.
Museum comparison:
Compare a related delicate small-scale image of Nyoirin kannon, 32.7 cm high, dated 1275, the figure formerly in the Tennoji temple, Osaka, now in the Nara National Museum (multiple images accessible at https://www.narahaku.go.jp/collection/v-1070-1.html).
Auction comparison:
Compare a closely related figure of Noyirin kannon, dated 13th/14th century, Kamakura period, 43.1 cm high, at Bonhams, Property from the Collection of Drs. Edmund and Julie Lewis Part I, 11 September 2019, New York, lot 552 (sold for USD 35,075 or approx. EUR 38,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing).
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Auction: Fine Japanese Art, 5th Dec, 2025
We're delighted to present Fine Japanese Art — a live auction featuring 600 exceptional lots that span every era of Japan’s rich artistic heritage.
The first 360 lots are featured in our printed catalog, beginning with Bronzes & Meiji metalwork, including a superb selection of silver works and notable pieces by celebrated masters such as Kitagawa Hokusen I and Jomi Eisuke II. These are followed by an outstanding group of samurai artworks, showcasing works by the Myochin family, intricate jizai okimono, exquisite tsuba from the Kotler Collection, and a distinguished array of armors, helmets, and swords. Learn more.
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