121 - JAPAN - Late 19th century

JAPAN - Late 19th century An imposing granite garden sculpture depicting Kannon 観音 (Avalokiteśvara) holding a child in her arms. This iconography is known as “Jibo Kannon” 慈母観音, which literally means “Kannon, the loving mother.” The work is carved from a large block of dark gray granite. The figure stands, dressed in long, loose-fitting garments. Her hair is pulled back into a neat style, elegantly covered by a veil that falls down her back. In her arms, she cradles a baby who is clutching her pearl necklace. Her fine, arched eyebrows and delicately rendered eyes lend the figure an expression of serenity and compassion. This motif, reminiscent of the iconography of the Virgin and Child, embodies maternal compassion. Such depictions were particularly popular between the late Edo period and the Meiji era, apparently influenced by the iconography of the “hidden Christians” (kakure-kirishitan). D Dimensions: Height 93.8 cm; Width 27.7 cm; Depth 20.6 cm Weight: 66 kg (Signs of wear...)