Incredibly fine miniature boxwood carving of an Eleven-headed Bodhisattva ( Juichimen Kannon), Japan Edo Period, 18Th/19Th Century Description: According to an ancient Buddhist legend, the Bodhisattva Kannon tried to perceive at one time the total sum of the sufferings of all living beings; he was so overwhelmed with pain and fear that his head exploded into eleven fragments. Then the Amida Buddha collected all the pieces and transformed them into eleven heads, setting them in a crown on Kannon's head and gaving the upper one its own appearance. In this way he would have as many as eleven heads to reflect on all ways to help suffering beings. Kannon is the emanation of Amida, the Buddha of the West, as well the bodhisattva of compassion; this statue represents “Kannon with Eleven Faces” just as the legend says. The heads are arranged in a crown. The heads indicate the stages of the path to Enlightenment, while the upper one has the appearance of a Buddha and represents the full completion his journey to Enlightenment. The main head of our Kannon has a calm expression: its eyes are half-closed, and his expression encourages calm and serenity. The gaze is turned downwards, towards the right hand, which makes the gesture of the gift and the left holding the elixer of longevity. Reference: Musei di Genova Condition: besides a small piece missing of the robe and absence of the Mandorla this statue is in prestine condition with all the lotus leaves present and intact. Weight: 20.8 g Measurements: Statue H. 58 mm, 92 mm with the pedestal. Material: boxwood Signed: Yes, with three characters at backside and old labels at the base Worldwide shipping with insurance!