Antique
Japanese Carved Okimono
Seiobo
Heaven
Queen Mother
Signed: unsigned, Circa: mid 19th Century
H
4.5 in.(11.5cm), W 2 in.(5cm), D 1 in.(2.5cm)
Condition: crackline, minor chip Seiobo
is the Japanese name for the Queen Mother of the West, the High Priestess Mother
of Immortality or Xi Wangmu, as she is known in China. Seiobo is the guardian
of a sumptuous garden in which grows a peach tree. Blossoming only once every
3000 years and the tree produces one peach which is the peach of immortality.
It is said that those who bite into its soft flesh and enjoy its juices are bestowed
with the gift of immortality that flows through the veins of the immortals. This
mid-19th century figurine is a beautiful rendition of the goddess in a classical
Japanese style. Her robes are ornately but delicately rendered with displays of
tactile textile patterns. Her fully rendered obi has a ceremonial sash that nearly
touches the ground. Her hair is coifed into a delicate coiffure that is set with
a headpiece crown befitting her noble status. In her hand she holds a magical
royal fan. Her gaze is wise present and deeply knowing, for Seiobo sees far beyond
the skeins of common human existence. This is a beautiful okimono an exquisite
rendition of this timeless goddess beloved throughout the East. (SD)
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