A GILT AND POLYCHROME WOOD FIGURE OF JIZO BOSATSU, EDO PERIOD
Lot 56 - AK0126

Japan, 17^th-18^th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

Finely carved standing on a lotus throne supported on a compressed globular section with neatly carved and gold-lacquered cartouches atop a wavy lotus leaf encircled by petal lappets and a foliate dais, the left hand holding an oju (treasure jewel), and right clasped around a shakujo (staff) fashioned with loose rings. The bodhisattva dressed in a loosely draped kesa (patchwork surplice) open at the chest and falling in pleats, the face bearing a serene expression with heavy-lidded eyes under gently arched brows centered by a raised urna, flanked by ears with pendulous lobes, all backed by a nimbus.

HEIGHT 65 cm (the figure), 94.5 cm (total)

Condition: Overall good condition with expected wear, few chips, cracks, and losses, old repairs and minor touchups. The staff possibly a later replacement.

Jizo is a bodhisattva in the guise of a monk wearing a kesa, or patchwork surplice, and holding a monk's staff and a sacred jewel. Standing on a lotus pedestal, he has descended to earth to "mingle with the dust," or enter the hells to exchange places with sinners. The cult of Jizo as a savior and an advocate for the sinner in hell became central to Japanese Buddhism in the Kamakura period. Functioning like a priest, he serves as a guide of the dead through the intermediate state and on to birth in the Pure Land of Amida Buddha. In popular religion, Jizo is also linked with indigenous cults of fertility and childbirth.

Museum comparison:
Compare a closely related lacquered wood figure of Jizo Bosatsu, dated about 1670, 68.58 cm high, in the David Owsley Museum of Art, Ball State University, accession number 2019.016.001.

Auction comparison:
Compare a closely related gilt and polychrome wood figure of Jizo Bosatsu, dated 17^th-18^th century, Edo period, 66 cm high, at Christie’s, 29 March 2023, New York, lot 2 (sold for EUR 13,860).