A LACQUERED WOOD ZUSHI (PORTABLE SHRINE) WITH SEATED KANNON, WITH A BUILT-IN ‘ILLUMINATING LIGHT’, 18TH CENTURY

拍品描述

A LACQUERED WOOD ZUSHI (PORTABLE SHRINE) WITH SEATED KANNON, WITH A BUILT-IN ‘ILLUMINATING LIGHT’, 18TH CENTURY Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Finely carved, the figure of Kannon is shown seated in dhyanasana upon a lotus dais, itself raised on a tiered hexagonal pedestal with lobed panels and an ornate balustrade. The right hand is held in semui-in (abhaya mudra), while the left grasps a lotus stem. The figure is backed by an openwork kohai (halo). The face is rendered with a serene expression and gently downcast eyes, inlaid in glass and centered by a glass byakugo (urna). The hair is arranged in a tall chignon beneath an elaborate metal crown richly inlaid with glass elements. The shrine is executed in black lacquer with finely chased floral metal fittings, the interior lavishly finished in gilt. The shrine has been later adapted with a functioning electric light installed within the roof, designed to illuminate the deity from above; the fitting terminates in a cord and plug extending from the reverse. HEIGHT 23 cm (the figure), HEIGHT 54.5 cm (total) Enshrined within this portable shrine is Kannon, the bodhisattva of compassion, whose worship was introduced to Japan in the 6th century via Korea and China. Widely venerated across Buddhist traditions, Kannon is associated with mercy and salvation, and has been linked in Japanese belief to revered figures such as Prince Shotoku, Daruma, and Chujo-hime. Although originally depicted in male form in India, Kannon came to assume more feminine characteristics in East Asian representations, reflecting the deity’s universal and compassionate nature.

图片