A GILT-LACQUERED WOOD FIGURE OF THOUSAND-ARMED... Lot n° 13

A GILT-LACQUERED WOOD FIGURE OF THOUSAND-ARMED KANNON, EDO PERIOD Japan, 18th-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Finely carved as the Thousand-Armed Kannon seated in dhyanasana on a separately carved lotus throne raised on an elaborate tiered octagonal base, holding various attributes including lotus flowers and jewels in numerous radiating hands. The serene face with painted details and downcast eyes, the hair arranged in a high topknot, encircled and topped by smaller heads, secured by a narrow band centered by a small image of Amida Nyorai. The separately carved kohai inset to the back of the lotus throne and carved with a central lotus blossom above a bi-lobed aperture surrounded by thick swirling clouds. HEIGHT 43.5 (excl. hexagonal base) and (total) 55 cm Condition: Good condition with some wear, natural age cracks, minor flaking to lacquer, old repairs to the head, right shoulder, and base, minor touchups, some of the small heads lost, small chips. Overall presenting very well. Provenance: Collection Jean-Charles Tauzin (1889-1957), Bordeaux, France, thence by descent in the same family. The figure and base are raised on an associated yet similarly carved hexagonal plinth dating from the same period. Thousand-armed Kannon grew in popularity in Japan as a bodhisattva capable of preventing and curing physical ailments, such as blindness.