Antique Japanese Stone Buddha Statue of Kannon Bodhisattva (Seated) / Edo Period / 1750-1850

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Description

This is a Japanese stone Buddha, believed to have been created during the mid Edo period, approximately between 1750 and … Read more This is a Japanese stone Buddha, believed to have been created during the mid Edo period, approximately between 1750 and 1850.

The figure represents Kannon (Avalokiteshvara) in a seated position. Kannon is one of the most widely revered bodhisattvas in Japan, known as a compassionate presence who listens to people’s suffering and offers salvation. Such stone Buddhas were commonly enshrined at temples, village shrines, and along roadsides.

This statue was likely enshrined in a temple, a small roadside shrine, or possibly within a cemetery setting, where it quietly served as an object of prayer and remembrance.

Following the Meiji period, during the anti-Buddhist movement (Haibutsu Kishaku), as well as later urban development and road construction, many temples and small shrines were relocated or lost. In such cases, stone Buddhas were often transferred into private hands. This piece may have been passed down through such a historical transition.

In terms of condition, there is a chip on the lower right side of the base, which has been repaired with what appears to be cement. Some residue remains visible, but the restoration allows the piece to stand securely on its own. The carving itself remains clearly defined, and the gentle expression is well preserved. The inscriptions on both sides are present, though their exact meaning is unknown.

Placing this piece in a garden, under the eaves, or near an entrance will bring a quiet spiritual presence to the space. Beyond its religious significance, it also stands as a sculptural work imbued with history—offering a calm, timeless atmosphere that quietly enriches its surroundings.

Dimensions: W25 × D20.6 × H42.5 cm
Weight: 21.9 kg
Item No.: SC159 See less