Jizo Bosatsu Wood Sculpture, 16th Century Japan

A wood sculpture of Jizo Bosatsu, Muromachi / Momoyama period,…
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A wood sculpture of Jizo Bosatsu, Muromachi / Momoyama period, circa late 16th century, Jizo seated on a gold lotus pedestal (later Edo addition C.1800) shown in the guise of a serene monk with shaved head, his right hand carrying Shakujo (staff) and in his left a Tama or Buddhist jewel, 34 cm high including pedestal (the seated figure 17 cm high). Provenance: Purchased Y. Tsuruki & Co, Kyoto, 1988. Other Notes: Jizo Bosatsu (Bodhisattva) is one of the most beloved Japanese deities, traditionally seen as the guardian of children, and in particular, of children who died before their parents. Jizo is often translated as 'Womb of the earth', where ji means earth, while zo means womb. Zo can also be translated as 'Repository of treasure', thus Jizo is often translated as 'Earth Store' or 'Earth Treasury'.

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  • Circa - A Latin term meaning 'about', often used in the antique trade to give an approximate date for the piece, usually considered to be five years on either side of the circa year. Thus, circa 1900 means the piece was made about 1900, probably between 1895 and 1905. The expression is sometimes abbreviated to c.1900.
  • Edo Period, Japan - The Edo period in Japan lasted from 1603 to 1868. During this time, Japan was ruled by the Tokugawa shogunate, a military government led by the Tokugawa family. The Edo period is characterized by a period of relative peace, stability, and economic growth, as well as by the development of a distinctive culture and society.

    During the Edo period, the capital of Japan was moved from Kyoto to Edo (modern-day Tokyo), and the country became increasingly isolated from the rest of the world. The shogunate implemented strict policies to maintain control, including the restriction of foreign trade and travel. However, despite this isolation, the Edo period saw significant cultural and artistic development, including the emergence of the ukiyo-e woodblock print tradition, the growth of Kabuki theater, and the flourishing of a vibrant merchant culture.

    The Edo period ended with the Meiji Restoration of 1868, which saw the collapse of the shogunate and the restoration of imperial rule.

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