A RARE CYPRESS WOOD FIGURE OF A BODHISATTVA, HEIAN PERIOD

拍品描述

A RARE CYPRESS WOOD FIGURE OF A BODHISATTVA, HEIAN PERIOD Japan, 11th-12th century, Heian period (794-1185) Boldly carved from a single block of cypress wood in the ichiboku-zukuri technique, the bodhisattva stands gracefully, enveloped in layered loose-fitting robes opening at the chest and cascading in voluminous folds, the face with a serene expression, the hair pulled up into a high chignon behind a plain tiara. HEIGHT 35.5 cm (excl. base), 38 cm (incl. base) The conception of the sculpture, carved in one block in the ichiboku-zukuri technique, could point towards an earlier Heian period dating, wood sculptures of the latter Heian and succeeding Kamakura period being usually conceived from hollowed out segments, carved separately and subsequently re-assembled together (yosegi and warihagi zukuri). This would also explain the loss of the arms which had probably been carved separately from different blocks and affixed to the torso. Auction comparison: Compare a related wood figure of Sho Kannon, dated Heian period, 12th century, 47 cm high including the base, formerly in the collection of Kofukuji Temple in Nara and sold at Christie’s, 17 September 2009, New York, lot 1049 (sold for USD 16,250 or approx. EUR 21,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing).

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