Page 73 - Bonhams Auction NYC Japanese and Korean Art March 15, 2017

6157
A POLYCHROME WOOD FIGURE OF KISHIMOJIN
Muromachi period (1333-1573), 16th century
Also known as Kariteimo, a Buddhist protector of children and the
Lotus Sutra, standing in brocade-patterned Chinese robes and
cradling an infant in her left arm, her right hand holding a spray of
fruiting pomegranates (now missing), the dimpled face with an partially
open mouth and inlaid crystal eyes framed by an elaborate coiffure, the
reverse with an effaced inscription [] [] Kishimonjin Jurassetsu nyo Onjo
(ji) (Miidera) and with artists cipher
22 1/2in (57cm) height exclusive of stand

US$6,000 - 8,000

Kariteimo (Hariti) was originally a fierce spirit who kidnapped children
and fed them to her own offspring. After realizing the pain and suffering
she has caused countless parents she converts to Buddhism and
adopts the role of protector of all children.

For a Kamakura-period seated example of Kishimonjin in the collection
of Miidera, see Shiga Kenritsu Biwako Bunkakan, ed., Tenjokai no
hotoketachi, Tenbu no shoson (The Buddhas of Heaven, Various
Buddhas Deva), (Otsu, 1998), fig. 37.

6157

6157 (detail)

6158
A GILT AND POLYCHROMED WOOD FIGURE OF AIZEN MYO-O
Muromachi period (1333-1573) 15th century
The red-colored wrathful deity wearing a brocade-patterned garment
and metal jewelry with glass beads while seated on an elaborate
ribbon-tied lotus pedestal, his primary hands holding a five-prong vajra
and ritual bell, the other four displaying a mudra or holding attributes of
an arrow and bow (now missing), the face with a ferocious expression
heightened by inlaid crystal eyes and crowned by a headdress with the
head of a snarling shishi, also with inlaid crystal eyes, all backed by a
circular nimbus painted with flames
27 1/4in (69.3cm) height overall

US$10,000 - 15,000

6158

JAPANESE AND KOREAN ART | 71