| Antique
Carved Whale Tooth Okimono Kannon
Bodsatsu
Seated with Shishi
Unsigned. Circa: Edo, 19th Century
h. 2 in.(5cm), w. 1.75 in.(4.5cm), d. 1.25 in.(3cm)
Condition: very good! This
spiritually warm okimono depicts Kannon tranquilly posed whlie a docile shishi
(guardian lion) paws at her robe. Carved from whale tooth, the bodsatsu holds
scripture in one hand, while in the other rests a string of prayer beads. A shishi,
a sign of strength and courage, looks submissively upwards with wooden expectancy,
a contrast to the radiant and rounded face of Kannon‘s femmine presence. The teak
wood base, resembling rearranged leaves of a lotus, compliments her darkly stained
hair. Apparent in this carving is the craftsman’s skill in imbuing this piece
with a palpable sense of compassion. Beautifully aged, and in very good condition.
Private Collection
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