Kannon 31cm

Kannon 31cm

A superb Japanese ivory carving of Kannon (Chinese = Guan Yin) a serene face, a phoenix faced tiara with hanging decorations on either side resting on her head.
Dressed in exquisitely carved flowing robes, decorative ornamental chains front and back. Her left hand holding a stemmed lotus leaf and flower, the right holding the vase of nectar.
Fine details, a magnificent tactile carving.

Signed by the artist carver : Shuzan
Fine details, a magnificent tactile carving using the finest quality ivory.

Late 19th - Early 20th century.


Refer the large images for details & condition.

*** The ivory appears whiter than actual in the images, actual colour is a beautiful aged mellow cream patina***

Please note... depending on your computer monitor / phone / ipad etc. colour may vary to actual.

Condition: Excellent, nice aged patina..

Dimensions are maximum measurements

Height about : 31 cm
Width about: 7.7 cm
Depth about : 7.2 cm
Weight 1246 grams (1.246kgs)

A$4,800

Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, is one of the most beloved and widely venerated deities in Japanese Buddhism. She is the Japanese manifestation of the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, known for her boundless compassion and her unwavering commitment to relieving the suffering of all sentient beings.
Devotees across Japan turn to Kannon in times of difficulty, believing that she will hear their prayers and come to their aid. Her gentle yet powerful presence can be felt in countless temples and shrines throughout the country, where her statues and images serve as focal points for prayer and meditation.

The worship of Kannon in Japan can be traced back to the introduction of Buddhism from China during the Asuka Period in the 6th and 7th centuries. In the earliest Buddhist texts, Avalokiteshvara was often depicted as a male figure. However, as Buddhism spread across Asia, the bodhisattva's iconography evolved, and in China, Avalokiteshvara began to be portrayed as a female deity known as Guanyin.

This feminization of Avalokiteshvara also took hold in Japan, where Kannon came to be revered as a goddess of mercy and compassion.

One of the most striking aspects of Kannon in Japanese Buddhism is the sheer variety of forms in which she is depicted. According to the Lotus Sutra, Kannon has the ability to assume any form necessary to help those in need, and this has given rise to a rich iconographic tradition. Some of the most common forms of Kannon in Japan include:
• Senju Kannon, the Thousand-Armed Kannon, who is often depicted with a multitude of arms radiating out from her body, symbolizing her ability to reach out to all beings in need
• Juichimen Kannon, the Eleven-Headed Kannon, who is portrayed with eleven faces, each representing a different aspect of her compassion
• Nyoirin Kannon, the Wish-Fulfilling Kannon, who is shown holding a wish-granting jewel and is believed to grant the deepest desires of her devotees

Other forms of Kannon include Bato Kannon, who is depicted with a horse's head, and Jibo Kannon, the Merciful Mother Kannon, who is often shown holding a small child. Each of these manifestations highlights a different facet of Kannon's compassionate nature and her ability to respond to the diverse needs of her followers.
An 11-faced Kannon at Kosanji Temple on Ikuchijima Island in Hiroshima.

In Japanese Buddhist tradition, Kannon is revered as a savior and protector, particularly for those facing perilous situations such as natural disasters, illnesses, and dangers at sea. Fishermen and sailors have long prayed to Kannon for safe journeys and bountiful catches, and many coastal communities in Japan have erected statues of Kannon overlooking the ocean.
One famous example is the Kannon statue at Hasedera Temple in Kamakura, which stands over 30 feet tall and is said to watch over the nearby waters. According to legend, this statue miraculously floated across the sea from China, guiding ships to safety and bringing prosperity to the region.
Many depictions of Kannon in Japanese art and sculpture include symbolic attributes that convey her compassionate nature and her role as a bodhisattva.
Some of the most common attributes associated with Kannon include:
• The willow branch, which Kannon uses to sprinkle the dew of compassion on all beings, relieving their suffering and cleansing their karmic obstructions
• The vase of nectar, which symbolizes Kannon's ability to grant spiritual nourishment and healing to those in need
• The white robes, which represent Kannon's purity and her freedom from earthly attachments and defilements
• The lotus flower, a symbol of enlightenment and the potential for spiritual awakening that lies within all beings
By understanding the deeper meanings behind these attributes, devotees can connect more fully with Kannon's compassionate essence and draw inspiration from her example on the path to enlightenment.