† A RARE CARVED AND LACQUERED WOOD FIGURE OF JIZO BOSATSU, HEIAN PERIOD

拍品描述

† A RARE CARVED AND LACQUERED WOOD FIGURE OF JIZO BOSATSU, HEIAN PERIOD Japan, 12th century, late Heian period (794-1185) Mostly carved from a single block of wood, the bald-headed compassionate bodhisattva, patron of children, women, and travelers, represented as a young monk with a shaven head, standing in his typical pose atop a circular lotus dais, the right hand holding a shakujo (priest's staff, a later replacement), the left hand extended and originally holding a hoju (wish-granting jewel). His serene face with downcast eyes, elegantly arched brows centered by the crystal-inlaid byakugo (urna), and slender bow-shaped lips forming a calm smile. The bohisattva stands atop a gilt-lacquered circular lotus dais fitted at the back with a tall post supporting a circular halo carved with the Three Jewels. HEIGHT 49 cm The mostly single-block construction of this delicately executed figure with traces of lavish decoration suggest that it was likely carved in the twelfth century. Its diminutive size suggest that it may once have graced a private aristocratic chapel rather than a temple sanctuary. Jizo Bosatsu is a merciful bodhisattva who moves through the Six Realms of existence in his role of saving all sentient beings. These Six Realms, from human to animal, and including Hell, comprise the levels of existence through which we are driven by the forces of karmic retribution, until such time as we achieve enlightenment. Jizo seeks out sufferers to ease their pain. Among Japan’s myriad deities, Jizo is arguably the most widely known, easily recognized and actively venerated even in modern times. He appears as a kindly young monk, with shaven head, no adornments, and dressed in the simple robe of a cleric. His exalted status as a deity is indicated by the urna on his forehead and his long earlobes. In his left hand, he usually holds a pearl-like jewel, called nyoishu (wisdom gem) and in his right a staff with multiple rings used to beat away the demons of hell. Auction comparison: Compare a closely related carved wood figure of Jizo Bosatsu, Heian to Kamakura period, 12th century, 50.4 cm high, at Bonhams, 15 March 2017, New York, lot 6154 (sold for USD 33,750 or approx. EUR 39,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing). Compare a closely related larger carved wood figure of Jizo Bosatsu, dated late Heian-early Kamakura period, 12th century, 72.1 cm high including the stand, at Christie’s, 25 April 2017, New York, lot 5 (sold for USD 463,500 or approx. EUR 537,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing). 13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium - only for buyers within the EU.

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