Okimono - Elephant ivory - Eccezionale e grande - Dea Kannon sostenuta dal Drago Ryu - Firmato Toshiaki - Japan - Meiji period (1868-1912)

Important elephant ivory sculpture depicting the goddess Kannon; one of the most loved and revered deities of the Buddhist pantheon, belongs to the category of Bodhisattvas, figures who are about to reach the state of Buddha but continue to delay it to help other beings to achieve enlightenment. This okimono was carved from a single point of a full tusk, it was not assembled from parts, only a few other objects show such absolute care in the smallest details. Hanging jewels and bas-relief carved on the same block, thin veils moved by the wind, bows and woven and knotted fabrics, she holds in the center a basket with chrysanthemum and lotus flower and a vase with the other hand. At her feet the crouched Ryu dragon that supports her high and surrounds her and protects her with its tail until it reaches her shoulders. Signature with kao engraved under the Toshiaki base. Excellent condition - see photos The lot will be carefully packed and shipped within 1 or at most 2 working days from the day of payment. The shipping price includes delivery via UPS, TNT, DHL or SDA courier (depending on the lot destination) with full insurance and professional packaging. The original certificate compiled by Luca Mastromauro, Japanese art expert number 2617 registered at the Milan Chamber of Commerce, will be sent together with the lot. Copy of the Antiquity certificate complying with CITES international rules drawn up by CE. S. AR Archaeometric Studies Center based in London, Milan and Rome together with the object. The original is available only on request. The item cannot be sold outside the EU.