Page 33 - 2021 March 16th Japanese and Korean Art, Christie's New York City
P. 33
21 KATO GIZAN (B. 1968)
Jiai (Benevolence)
Signed Gizan, dated Reiwa ninen junigatsu
(December 2020)
Carved wood sculpture
35√ in. (91.1 cm.) high without stand
With original metal stand
$40,000-50,000
Her left hand in Abhayamudra, "do not fear"; her
right hand in Varadamudra, "mercy upon you" – this
sculpture Jiai(Benevolence) demonstrates compassion
and motherhood. In this sculpture Kato Gizan reflects
his great sympathy for the current pessimistic world
state contending with wars, unstable political status,
global warming, and COVID-19 pandemic. Employing
Buddhism sculpture making tradition from mid-Heian
period (11th century), Gizan aims to demonstrate a
contemporary kannon, who prays for universal peace
and symbolizess the spirit of overcoming hardships
with compassion. Praying is an action exsited prior to
written characters, and the artist considers, even admist
the ongoing separation of modern life with accelerated
technological advancements and religion, which is
never experienced by any generation before us, people
continue to pray. Praying links the present with the past,
and this sculpture links humanity with Buddhism, the
sacred spirit that dwelled over thousands of years.
加藤巍山 (B.1968) 慈愛 2020
