edo period, gold lacquer on wood, custome stand

This original Japanese Wooden Head of a Bodhisattva, is a rare antique (undated)

HEAD OF A BODHISATTVA possibly CIRCA 18th to 19th CENTURY

This stunning piece is a portrait head of Kwannon, the Japanese form of Kuan Yin, Goddess of Mercy. The hair is elaborately dressed and coiffed on top, banded twice and crowned with a gold headband. The face is finely depicted with a lovely, serene expression denoting the mind state of a Bosatsu or Bodhisattva. It will turn any room of choice into a place of tranquility and beauty.

Both the head and the stand are done in wood, and traces of the wood can be seen on the stand where the black lacquer has chipped off, due to age. The age of this piece is circa 18th - 19th century,possibly the Edo Period but not verified. This item is in two pieces: the head, which fits on the base. It at one time may have been the head of a larger figure in one of the temples.

Because Buddhism spread from India, through China and Korea to Japan, many of the Hindu goddesses kept their importance and only their names changed. According to Hindu sacred texts, the Bodhisattva of compassion was named Avalokitesvara. A Bodhisattva is one who is able to reach Nirvana but delays doing so out of compassion in order to save other suffering beings. In China, the name became Guan Yin; an all-seeing, all-hearing being who was called upon by the faithful in times of uncertainty, despair, and fear. In Japan this Bodhisattva (Bosatsu) of kindness and protection was worshiped as Kwannon.

Japan was hugely influenced by Buddhism, right down to court dress, daily life, and customs. Images of Buddhist deities pervaded the temples, and Kwannon being a popular deity, there existed numerous representations made of metal, gold, wood, or stone. The temples were popular pilgrimage sites for those who needed help, those who particularly appealed to Kwannon with offerings, incense, & prayers.

A beautiful piece that could be easily restored to its original glory or left as it to display its antique quality.

Dimensions from base to top of hair knot is 23". Head height is 15". Head depth is 7"and head width is 7". Base tapers to bottom starting a 8" High to 7" x 7" flat."