Antique
Japanese Ivory Okimono
Kannon
with Child
Christianity In Edo Japan
Orgin:
Japanese. Circa: 19th century
H
6 in.(15cm.), W 1.75 in.(4.5cm.), D 1.25 in.(3cm.)
measurement not
including1"H wood base
Condition: minor imperfection This
lovely small ivory, cream colored and marked with ivory grain and striations,
depicts a tall and gracious Kannon with a baby on her right arm, holding a branch
of flowering peonies in her left hand. Kannon is the goddess of great compassion
who hears the cries of sentient beings, whose tears cool even the fires of hell,
and to whom one may pray when hoping for a child. Her posture and attitude here
are strongly Western-influenced, resembling traditional icons of the Virgin Mary
and Child motif, which Japanese carvers would have seen during the Meiji period
when trade with the West was opening up. In a finely carved lyrical design of
flowing drapery and trailing scarves and ribbons, a youthful Kannon smiles sweetly,
gazing downward as she stands upon a double lotus base, searching for suffering
sentient beings to bring them ease.
Private
Collection |  |
