Okimono - Elephant ivory - Eccezionale e raffinato - Dea Kannon - Scuola di Tokyo - Firmato 'Shūgetsu' 周月 e kaō 花押 (monogramma) - Japan - Meiji period (1868-1912)

Okimono - Elephant ivory - Extraordinary fine piece - Goddess Kannon - School of Tokyo - Signed 'Shūgetsu' 周月 and kaō 花押 (monogram) - Japan - Meiji period (1868-1912) Excellent sculpture in elephant ivory depicting the goddess Kannon; one of the most loved and revered deities of the Buddhist pantheon, she belongs to the category of Bodhisattvas, figures who are about to attain the state of Buddha but keep delaying it in order to help other beings to achieve enlightenment. The top part of this okimono has been carved out of a single piece; only few okimonos feature this utter attention to detail, with pendant jewels in bas-relief carved out of the same block, a vase made to resemble woven straw which holds in the centre the lotus flower and chrysanthemum, thin veils shaken by the wind, entwined and knotted bows and drapes. Engraved signature 'Shūgetsu' 周月 and kaō 花押 (monogram) under the base. Tokyo School. In very good condition. The lot will be carefully packaged and shipped within 1 or at most 2 business days from the day of payment. The shipping price includes delivery via UPS, TNT, DHL or SDA courier (depending on destination address) with full insurance and professional packaging. Original certificate compiled by Luca Mastromauro, an expert in Japanese art, registered with Milan Chamber of Commerce (number: 2617) , which will be sent with the lot. Copy of Certificate of Antiquity compliant with the international CITES rules drawn up by the CE. S. AR Archaeometric Study Centre based in London, Milan and Rome, together with the item. The original is only available on request. This item cannot be sold to buyers outside the EU.