Page 170 - Fine Japanese Art October 28, 2020 Galerie Zacke

155 | A LARGE AND COMPLETE GILT-LACQUERED
WOOD STATUE OF KANNON BOSATSU
Japan, Edo period (1615-1868)

The Goddess of Mercy seated in padmasana on a double lotus base supported by a hexagonal
throne, a cloudy kohai (nimbus) towering above her with a miniature Amida (the characteristic
attribute of Kannon, which is usually found on her crown) at the top. The right hand is raised in
the semui-in (abhaya mudra, gesture of reassurance) and the other hand holds a lotus bud. Her
expression radiates with compassion and wisdom. A particularly impressive detail is the gilt-metal
tiara with its hanging ornaments which are almost always lost and therefore very rare.
HEIGHT 81 cm (total), HEIGHT 34 cm (the figure)

Condition: Wear, abrasions to the gilt, traces of weathering, losses, structural cracks, overall good
condition commensurate with age.
Provenance: Czech private collection.
Estimate EUR 8,000
Starting price EUR 4,000

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