Japan, 18th century
Dimensions: H: 27.5 cm
Wooden carved Kannon bodhisattva from 18th century Japan. The Kannon is standing barefoot on a lotus throne, his body covered by a hossō (layered) robe that elegantly embraces him. While his right hand forms a varada mudra (a symbol of compassion and benevolence), his left hand is shown holding an abhaya mudra (protection offered by a deity). Only the byakugō (literally translated as “white curling hair”) on his forehead is made of crystal, while his half-open eyes are not. The master carver used the yosegi zukuri technique, as evidenced by the separately glued headpiece. The crown is surmounted by 7 Buddha heads, which is a bit odd, there are usually 11 Buddha heads on the Kannon’s headpiece. Behind the head is a richly decorated mandorla in gold.
