Japan - Jûichimen-kannon With Butsudan - Edo

Gilded wooden sculpture of Jûichimen-Kannon standing in a serene and solemn posture, embodying infinite compassion. The bodhisattva is depicted with eleven faces, each expressing a particular form of benevolence and wisdom, emphasizing his role as a spiritual guide for suffering beings. The expression of the main face is calm and benevolent, while the other faces are harmoniously integrated, reflecting a diversity of perceptions and approaches to compassion. Kannon's body is draped in intricately carved Buddhist garments, with dynamic and natural folds. The gilding covering the sculpture is of great finesse and was done using a traditional technique that amplifies the work's spirituality. The underlying wood, likely cedar or pine, has been carefully crafted to achieve striking detail while maintaining the lightness and fluidity necessary for a work of this nature. Kannon stands before a tall mandorla. It is carved releasing clouds and is decorated around the edge with eleven character discs. The whole is mounted on a delicately crafted base, which allows it to be integrated into a butsudan (Buddhist altar). This base is made of black lacquered wood with gilded elements, a subtle contrast that highlights the light reflected by the gilding of the sculpture. The butsudan (altar dedicated to the deities), is also typical of the Edo period. Used in Japanese homes for daily spiritual practices, it serves as a place of veneration for Kannon and other Buddhist figures. The altar present here was designed to highlight the sculpture and provide a space for devotion. Butsudan were often adorned with precious and gilded woods, and were objects of great value both spiritually and aesthetically. Origin: Japan. Dimensions: Height of the sculpture: 48 cm; width: 17.5 cm; Height of butsudan: 54 cm; width: 31 cm. Period: Edo period (1600-1868). Condition: Very good overall condition. This giltwood sculpture depicts Jûichimen-Kannon, a specific form of the goddess of compassion, Kannon (or Avalokiteshvara), venerated in Mahāyāna Buddhism. The term "Jûichimen" means "eleven faces," which refers to the eleven different manifestations of Kannon, each symbolizing a facet of universal compassion. This type of representation of Kannon is particularly popular in Japanese Buddhist traditions, especially during the Edo period (1603-1868), which was marked by political stability and a revival of religious practices. The Edo period saw a great development of religious arts, with a renewed interest in wooden sculptures. The artists of the time, often influenced by traditional schools but also by new artistic movements, produced works of great finesse and spirituality. This sculpture is a perfect example of religious art from this period, incorporating elements of Japanese Buddhist tradition while using refined gilding techniques.