Superb Carved Stone Statue of Jizō Bosatsu Japanese Edo to Meiji

Carved out of a solid block of stone, this fine Japanese statue depicts Jizō Bosatsu, a beloved bodhisattva in Japan. Also known as Kṣitigarbha in Sanskrit, Jizo is one of the four principal bodhisattvas in East Mahayana Buddhism tradition. The deity is particularly important in Japan and widely worshipped as a protector of children and travelers and the guardian of afterlife. Jizo always manifests in a monastic appearance with shaved head and monk's robe. He is often shown holding a Shakujo staff with sounding rings on one hand, which is to guide human beings through the six realms, and a wish-fulfilling jewel on the other, radiating hope and compassion. The iconography tends to be specific to Japan as well. Along the time, the appearance of Jizo in Japanese art becomes more youthful and even child-like for his endearing quality to his prayers.
The statue on offer Jizo, a young monk with serene face and down casting eyes, sitting on a lotus throne in half-ease post. Holding his Shakujo staff and a jewel, he was posed behind a halo disc. The carving was finely done that conveys a strong sense of inner peace and compassion, and the patinated surface indicates a weather-aged smoothness. Examining the piece, we can easily date it to the 19th century, possibly earlier of Meiji to Edo period. In Japan, many small Jizo stone statues were placed along the path to protect travelers and most tend to be carved in a primitive folky style. This statue stands out for its high workmanship.