Japanese Jizo Statue For Sale

For sale is a finely carved Jizo Bosatsu statue from Shimane Prefecture in Japan.
The statue is made of Kimachi sandstone, a material with a long history of use in Japanese stone lanterns and guardian lion-dogs. Kimachi sandstone has a soft appearance and you can see the individual grains on the surface. It is also popular because of its ability to host moss growth and develop a natural patina in gardens.
This gently smiling figure holds the right hand in Abhaya mudra and the left hand in Varada mudra. Abhaya mudra is a gesture that symbolizes fearlessness. Varada mudra is a gesture which symbolizes the dispensation of boons. Inside the lotus pedestal is a cylindrical cavity where remains or other meaningful items can be placed. The cavity can be sealed by a cork or by gluing cloth or paper to the base. Of course, you can simply appreciate it as it is without anything inside.
Jizo, or Jizo Bosatsu, is the Japanese name for Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. In Japan, Jizo is generally known as a guardian of children and travellers. When placed in large groups near temples, Jizo statues commemorate babies and children who have passed. When enshrined alone or in a group of six, Jizo statues can serve as community guardians. There are also Jizo dedicated to very specific causes, such as career advancement or to ward off misfortune after a tragedy.
For complete disclosure, I am the first owner and I purchased it brand new from a masonry shop in Kyoto, Japan. It has never been used to store remains.
I used different lighting conditions and backgrounds to show the effect of light on the figure. Due to the natural color and texture of sandstone, good lighting is needed to fully appreciate the facial features and other details.
All background items are photographic props and they are not included with the sale of the figure.

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