This is a wooden statue of Byakue Kannon 白衣観音 (White-Robed Kannon). White-Robed Kannon (Byakue Kannon) is typically depicted clad in white robes and holding hobyo 宝瓶 (a treasure jar). The artist is Tsuda Akinori 津田亮則. Tsuda Akinori is an artist of Hida Ichii Ittobori, a traditional craft from Gifu Prefecture. He mainly creates daruma dolls and wooden sculptures, making use of the texture of the wood (ichii), and using a technique that leaves intricate chisel marks. He is known for his daruma dolls, which have warm expressions created using traditional techniques. Kannon Bodhisattva holding a treasure jar (hobyo/suibyo) is a symbol of compassion, relieving the suffering of all living beings with a compassionate heart and pouring out water of merit. Specific characteristics and meanings are as follows. Meaning of the Treasure Jar (Water Jar) Pouring water of merit: The treasure jar contains water (nectar) considered a miracle medicine. Pouring this water on people is said to heal their suffering and grant their wishes (granting them merit). Purification: Represents the power to wash away impurities and make them pure. Treasures/Good Fortune: It is said to contain treasures or elixir, and is also meant to distribute good fortune to the poor. White-Robed Kannon is a type of statue of the Holy Kannon Bodhisattva. The Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva depicts Avalokiteshvara (Kannon), an important figure in Mahayana Buddhism who symbolizes compassion. Also known as "He Who Hears the Cry of the World," Avalokiteshvara is revered for her power to relieve suffering beings. The Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva is one of the most basic and commonly depicted representations of Avalokiteshvara. Key Features of the Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva Statue: Posture: Avalokiteshvara typically has one face and two arms, holds a lotus or a water bottle, and has a calm, serene expression. Cloth: The bodhisattva is adorned with traditional bodhisattva ornaments such as a crown, bracelets, and necklace, and wears an elegant robe. These ornaments symbolize the bodhisattva's continued involvement in the mundane world, having not yet attained full Buddhahood. Significance: True to her name, which means "one who perceives the sounds of the world," Bodhisattva Kannon is especially revered as a being who responds to the suffering of all living beings. She is beloved by those who seek solace in times of hardship. In Japan, Bodhisattva Kannon became an object of worship from the Nara to Heian periods, leading to the construction of many statues and temples. Statues of Bodhisattva Kannon have significant artistic and spiritual value, particularly in the sculptural traditions of the Heian and Kamakura periods, and can be found at famous sites such as Horyu-ji Temple and Sanjusangendo Temple. Height: 14.5 cm Width: 8.3 cm Depth: 5.3 cm Weight: 105 g Condition: The condition is generally good. There are scratches, stains, scuffs, and dirt. This is a delicate item, so please handle with care. There are also many photos, so please take a look. Atention: The items listed for sale are all used collectibles. Please consider them to have signs of aging, such as stains, scratches, scuffs, tears, discoloration, fading, fraying, and changes in thread color. We will post as many photos as possible to make it easy to understand. As these are old items, we appreciate your understanding before making a purchase.