A PAIR OF MINIATURE FIGURES OF KANNON AND SENJU

A VERY FINE AND RARE PAIR OF GILT-LACQUERED MINIATURE FIGURES OF KANNON AND SENJU
Japan, 18th-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

Each superbly carved, one depicting Kannon and the other Senju, the thousand-armed variation of Kannon. Both stand on a short circular dais supported on an elaborate tiered hexagonal throne carved with lotus petals, beaded edges, floral designs in openwork, and diaper patterns.

The figures themselves are of plain wood, with gold lacquer painting to the long flowing robes with foliate scroll, key-fret, and lozenge designs with gilt-metal filigree details, their faces and some attributes further painted with pigments. Each with a kohai (aureole) finely carved with swirling clouds and a central floral design.

The figures are raised on turned-wood bases with mouth-blown glass covers, of European origin and dating to c. 1900. (4)

HEIGHT 11.5 cm (each, excl. bases and covers) and 21 cm (each, total)

Condition: Minor wear, minuscule chips, small losses, two arms reattached, minor old repairs and touchups. Due to the extremely light weight and the remarkable fragility of these figures, they must be considered in superb condition.
Provenance: French private collection.

The present figures are exceedingly rare in their size, intricate carving, filigree metal details, and state of preservation, the latter likely being only possible due to the addition of the wood bases and glass covers (dating to c. 1900), as even 100 years ago their owners at the time recognized the figures' importance and fragility. Furthermore, the quality of carving could only be achieved by a true master, suggesting an Imperial origin.