Vintage Japanese Carved Kudara Kannon Bosatsu Avalokiteśvara Guanyin Sandalwood Statue 百済観音

Japanese Carved Sandalwood Buddha
Kudara Kannon Bosatsu
Bodhisattva of Hundred Providences
Circa: Early Showa period, 1930-40s'
H 18 in. (44cm), W 5 in. (12.5cm), D 3.5 in. (9cm)
Minor imperfection, overall very good condition!

There are thirty-three forms of representation of Avalokiteśvara, Guanyin 觀世音菩薩 or Kannon to assist sentient beings in earthly life. For this Japanese Bodhisattva of Compassion standing in tribhanga, in her left hand holding a vase of immortal nectar, an attribute which indicated that she is Kudara Kannon, literally means Bosatsu of Hundred Providences 百済観音. The statue is meticulously carved in classic symmetric Tang style, with swirling celestial scarf and a flame-like aureole framing the courtly Kannon, in a highly polished sandalwood surface with even shine, and a tinge of neoteric aesthetics in the proportioned figure. The carving is a type of Japanese sculpture known as "danzo", which is traditionally carved from a single block of fine-grained sandalwood, a highly prized type of cedar for its dense and smooth texture that grants precision cutting and detailing. We noticed two tiny knots on this statue, as shown on the right wrist and lower left garment. Otherwise the Kudara Kannon is well preserved for home decor or spiritual practice.