Signature: Kozan. Circa: Early 1900s'
H 14 in.(36cm), W 4 in.(10cm), D 4 in.(10cm)
Condition: slight chip on base, o.a. excellent!
Statues
of Kannon inspire a greater affection in Japan than do any other Buddhist figures.
As in this rare and unusual representation of the Bodhisattva of Compassion, Kannon
Bosatsu appears as a youthful maiden, her right hand in boon granting, and left
hand in teaching gesture, dressed in the Chinese Tang style wardrobe, with a hint
of the Western influence which penetrated Japan during the Meiji era. The okimono
is beautifully modeled with exceptional skill in Bizen ware, with phenomenal ironlike
hardness from prolonged high heat, and sesame (goma) glaze spotting from pine
ash firing, varied colors from deep red to dark brown in a silken semi-gloss surface
with a mellow texture. Other than a
tiny chip on the lotus petal, overall
it is in excellent condition.