Άγαλμα 地蔵菩薩 Jizo Bodhisattva - Λάκα, Ξύλο - Dated: "The second year of the Tenpō era, Year of the Rabbit." (1835) - Ιαπωνία - Edo Period (1600-1868)

a nicely carved and lacquered wooden 地蔵菩薩 Jizo Bodhisattva statue standing on a lotus throne above a jagged rocky base. The Jizo Bodhisattva is depicted as a monk with a halo around his shaved head, he carries a staff to force open the gates of hell and a wish-fulfilling jewel to light up the darkness.

The statue originates from the Tsugaru Peninsula in the Aomori Prefecture.

Jizo is a significant bodhisattva, or "saint," in the Mahayana Buddhist tradition. Particularly revered in Japanese Zen, Jizo is seen as the guardian of those traveling through both physical and spiritual realms. This bodhisattva is closely associated with children, serving as their protector before birth, during childhood, and even after death.

The statue has multiple inscriptions:

Frontside: 萬能冰負菩信廿 Which could translate to: "Faith in the all-powerful bodhisattva, carrying the icy burden"

Backside: 九月九日 天保八酉年 9th day of the 9th month of "The eighth year of the Tenpō era, Year of the Rooster." (1837)

The date at the backside is probably when it was gifted to a shrine or temple, it's date has a auspicious meaning: Chrysanthemum Day (菊の節句, Kiku no Sekku) is celebrated on the 9th day of the 9th month. It is one of the five ancient sacred festivals of Japan. First started in 910, when the Japanese imperial court held its first chrysanthemum show. Chrysanthemums are the symbol of the Imperial House of Japan.

The underside of the base is also inscribed by the maker and dated:

天保二卯歳 Tenpō Ni U-no-toshi: "The second year of the Tenpō era, Year of the Rabbit." (1835)

運河作 Unga Saku is the name of the craftsman.

Dimension:
Height: 37 x 16,5 Width cm
Jizo Statue height: 22 cm

Condition: In reasonable condition, some lacquer loss, crackle in the lacquer, accumulated dirt, the feet are missing, minor repairs and the staff is most likely a later replacement. The pictures give more details about the condition. The lot is sold "as is".

Shipping method: The items will be securely packaged and shipped with insurance.