SOLD
This tall, slender figure is carved from cedar in Enku's so-called hatchet style. Enku was a yamabashi, or traveling priest, whose mission was to serve the remote villages of rural Japan-- particularly those in the more northern parts. As acts of devotion, he produced thousands of Buddhist carvings over the course of his life-- many of which were given by him to the temples he served as well as the parishioners.
This figure is probably an image of the Buddhist rain and dragon deity, Zennyo Ryuo, standing upon a rock, holding a tablet against his chest with a dragon mask surmounting his head. It appears this carving was covered in a thin, dark lacquer, much of which is now worn away. Overall, the condition is good. Purchased in Kyoto in 1973, and sold as a 19th Century “Mingei” Buddha.
Height: 18 ½ in., Width: 3 in.
SOLD
This bronze sculpture of a ram is rather heavy cast and has well-delineated features in both face and coat. It is in good condition and it has its original applied reddish-brown patina overall. No signature is present. This particular subject is not often seen among Japanese bronze sculptures, and it is likely from a set of twelve zodiac figures. Acquired in North Carolina in the early 1980s.
Length: 9 in., Width: 4 ¾ in., Height: 7 ½ in., Weight: about 7 pounds.
$200.00
The lacquered case opens to reveal a molded earthenware figure of Fudo Myoo, one of the 'five great kings of ligh.” The ceramic figure has an old, restuck break horizontally across the top of the base, otherwise it is in very good condition. The figure sits neatly into a carved recessed part of the interior base of the case. The case is lacquered a brownish black and is in good condition. Acquired in Kyoto in the early 1970s.
Height: 3 ¾ in.
$250.00
This figure has old losses to both forearms. The features are worn and it is blackened overall from incense and candle smoke, but it has a pleasant, soft patina. A metal nimbus was originally attached to the back with a small strip of metal that still remains. Acquired in Kyoto in the early 1970s.
Height: 6 in.
$300.00
Classic Japanese Mingei folk art figure probably from a Buddhist altar or rural roadside Shinto shrine. The forearms are missing. It is darkened from incense and candle smoke. Acquired in Japan in the early 1970s.
Height: 7 ¾ in.
$200.00
A molded clay Buddha image encased in a lacquered wood shrine with a gilded interior. A small bronze ring on top allows attachment to the obi sash of an individual's kimono. There are some losses to the lacquer normal wear from use and handling. Acquired in Japan in the early 1970s.
Height: 3 3/8 in.
SOLD
Well-carved, lacquered and gilded, seated on a lotus petal base. The mandorla is missing, and there is an old loss to the hands, otherwise, it is in good condition. Acquired in Japan in the early 1970s.
Height: 6 ¼ in.
$275.00
Carved, lacquered and gilded wood. There are losses to the right hand and both feet, otherwise, it is in good condition. Acquired in Japan in the early 1970s.
Height: 12 ¼ in.
$375.00
The seated Buddha image has traces of gilding darkened from years of candle and incense smoke. The mandorla is thin metal repousse. There are chips, wear and losses to the lacquered wooden case.
Height: 9 ¼ in.
$450.00
This small, double-doored black lacquered shrine contains a carved and gilded sandalwood image of a Bodhisattva sitting on a lotus throne. The gilding is original and is worn from age and use. There are also some losses to the lotus leaves. The two doors are attached by small gilt bronze hinges and a brnze ring is affixed to the top for attachment to a garment belt. Acquired in Kyoto, Japan in 1973.
Height: 4 in., Width: 2 in., Figure height: 3 in.