Circa: Early Showa period, 1900s'
H 17.5 in.(44cm), W 5 in.(12.5cm), D 3.5 in.(9cm)
Condition: minor imperfection, oa. very good!
There
are thirty-three forms of Kannon to assist sentient beings in earthly life. For
this Japanese Bodhisattva of Compassion in tribhanga, her left hand upraised to
hold a vase of nectar indicated that she is Kudara Kannon, literally means Bosatsu
of Hundred Providences.
The
statue is meticulously carved in classic Tang style symmetry, with swirling celestial
scarf and a flame-like aureole framing the courtly Kannon, amidst a highly polished
sandalwood surface with even shine, there is a tinge of contemporary aesthetics
in this proportioned figure. The carving is exemplary for a type of Japanese sculpture
known as "danzo", which is traditionally carved from a single
block of fine-grained sandalwood, a highly prized type of cedar for its dense
and smooth texture that grants precision cutting and detailing. We noticed two
tiny knots on this statue, as shown on the right wrist and lower left garment;
otherwise well preserved for home decor or spiritual practice.