Bodhisattva Jizo Ksitigarbha Polychrome Wooden Statue (50 in, 127 cm)
$14,500.00
Our client's beautiful and large, carved wooden figure depicts the Bodhisattva Jizo (Ksitigarbha), standing, with left hand extended and holding the wish-granting jewel (hoju), right hand holding staff, and set upon a carved stand with lotus flower motif. Measures an impressive 50 in (127 cm), and is decorated with polychrome lacquer and gold foil. Condition is good. There is a substantial crack through the head as seen in our images, plus surface dirt, scratches, chip losses, all consistent with age.
From the collection of a world-famous artist in New York city. Provenance upon request.
Jizo is a bodhisattva revered in east Asian Buddhism, commonly depicted as a monk, as here. His name translates to Earth Treasury or Earth Womb, and is known for his vow to take responsibility for the instruction of all beings in the six worlds between the death of Gautama buddha and rise of Maitreya, and his vow to not achieve budhahood until the hells are emptied. He's regarded as the guardian of children. In Sanskrit known as Ksitigarbha, in Chinese he is Pinyin, and in Japanese, Jizo or Ojizo-sama. His staff is carried to force open the gates of hell and his wish-granting jewel is carried to light up the darkness.
