EDO PERIOD (LATE 17TH/EARLY 18TH CENTURY)

Details

A LACQUER SHRINE
Edo Period (late 17th/early 18th Century)
The black lacquer shrine with hinged doors opening to reveal a lacquered wood sculpture of Jizo Bosatsu holding a sacred pearl, standing on a lotus base beneath a lichen covered decayed tree stump, the copper gilt fittings finely engraved, some old wear
17in. (43cm.) high

Special notice

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Lot Essay

Jizo Bosatsu had been worshipped since the Heian period, particularly as the protector of children. He is represented wearing rich brocade robes with a white face and bearing a hoju [sacred jewel] in his left hand to illuminate the darkness of hell, and a shakujo in his right hand. The supporting lotus pedestal symbolises the purity of Buddhism.

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