17th C. Japanese Edo Wood Standing Buddhist Figure

East Asia, Japan, Edo Period, ca. 17th to 18th century CE. An aesthetically pleasing, hand-carved wooden figure, kneeling or standing, with his hands clasped in front in reverence or prayer. This man may represent a Buddha or other Buddhist follower, such as a monk or Bodhisattva. He is dressed in flowing robes and his head has a serene visage with downcast eyes. His ears are elongated, characteristic of Buddhist iconography, and his head has traces of his tightly coiled coiffure that was gathered in a top knot. The verso has remnants of painted black pigments of Japanese characters. The wood has nice areas of smooth patina, and the weathered surface certainly adds a nice sense of age to this watchful figure. This style of wooden sculpture is similar to pieces made by the famed sculptor and monk Enku (1632-1695 CE). Enku dedicated his life to carving nearly 120,000 statues of Buddha and Bodhisattvas which he used to pay for lodging and food! Size: 4.5" W x 14.5" H (11.4 cm x 36.8 cm)

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-private Kyoto, Japan collection

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#164586
Condition Report: Stable pressure fissures vertically across body as shown. Old inactive insect holes across surface. Abrasions and losses to high pointed areas, base, and sides as shown. Stands upright on a stable base with areas of nice patina. Traces of painted characters.