Buddhistic objects - Thousand-Armed Kwan Yin (Guanyin) Relief by Ozaki Isso (尾崎一草) - Showa period

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Marion Oliviero
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Selected by Marion Oliviero

Holds a master's in Chinese archaeology with extensive expertise in Japanese art.

Estimate  € 170 - € 200
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esBidder 9921 €25

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A cast copper relief of Thousand-Armed Kwan Yin, designed by Ozaki Isso, Showa 32 (1957), Japan; dimensions H8 x W4 x D1.7 cm; in good condition with patina and minor verdigris; reverse inscription with temple name and year.

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Description from the seller

【Important notes】

・International buyers are responsible for any import duties, taxes, and charges not included in the item price or shipping cost. Please note that VAT paid to Catawiki is separate from and does not cover import duties or customs charges in your country. You may still be required to pay additional fees upon delivery, as determined by your local customs authorities.
・Shipping Details: Most items are shipped via Japan Post EMS (airmail). If you are in a hurry, we can arrange shipping via DHL or FedEx upon request for an additional fee.
・Damage and Issues: If you receive a damaged item, please contact us immediately. The damage must be reported to your local post office within 7 days of delivery, and promptly to us and Catawiki support.

【Product details】

This cast copper Buddhist relief depicts Thousand-Armed Kwan Yin (Guanyin), a form revered for her all-encompassing compassion and ability to perceive and respond to the suffering of all beings. The figure is shown seated in meditation, surrounded by multiple arms holding ritual attributes, delicately rendered within a compact relief format.

The work was created in 1957 (Showa 32) to commemorate the completion and consecration of the shoin at Komyō-in Temple. The original model was designed by Ozaki Issō, a noted Showa-period sculptor active in Buddhist art and sculpture, who held non-competitive exhibitor status at the Nitten exhibitions. His refined modelling is evident in the calm facial expression, the layered iconography, and the balanced composition achieved within the shallow relief.

The reverse bears a clearly carved inscription recording the year, the temple name, and the dedication, giving the piece strong documentary and historical value beyond its devotional role. Over time, the surface has developed a deep, subdued patina that enhances the sculptural details and lends the work a quiet, dignified presence.

There is natural age-related patina, light surface wear, and minor verdigris in places, consistent with its age. Overall, it remains in good preserved condition. Please refer to the photos for details.

Dimensions: approx. H 8 cm W 4 cm D 1.7 cm

・Please make sure to review all the provided information and images before placing your bid.
・We make every effort to accurately represent the product's colors and textures in our photos. However, due to differences in monitors and device displays, as well as photographic conditions, slight color variations between the photos and the actual product may occur. We ask for your understanding in advance.

Thank you for your interest, and happy bidding!

Seller's Story

Welcome to Yorozuya Arinsu!                                                             We are an antique shop based on the outskirts of Tokyo, originally focusing on the Japanese market but proudly expanding to serve international customers. In August 2023, we became a pro seller on Catawiki, and since then, we’ve enjoyed sharing our passion for Japanese art and antiques with collectors worldwide.                                           Our collection includes a diverse range of items, from genuine antiques to contemporary art pieces. We take pride in offering unique, high-quality objects that reflect Japan’s rich cultural heritage as well as modern creativity. If there’s something specific you’re looking for, feel free to reach out to us on Instagram: 【yorozuya_arinsu】                                                          Thank you for visiting our shop, and we look forward to helping you find your next special piece!                                   

【Important notes】

・International buyers are responsible for any import duties, taxes, and charges not included in the item price or shipping cost. Please note that VAT paid to Catawiki is separate from and does not cover import duties or customs charges in your country. You may still be required to pay additional fees upon delivery, as determined by your local customs authorities.
・Shipping Details: Most items are shipped via Japan Post EMS (airmail). If you are in a hurry, we can arrange shipping via DHL or FedEx upon request for an additional fee.
・Damage and Issues: If you receive a damaged item, please contact us immediately. The damage must be reported to your local post office within 7 days of delivery, and promptly to us and Catawiki support.

【Product details】

This cast copper Buddhist relief depicts Thousand-Armed Kwan Yin (Guanyin), a form revered for her all-encompassing compassion and ability to perceive and respond to the suffering of all beings. The figure is shown seated in meditation, surrounded by multiple arms holding ritual attributes, delicately rendered within a compact relief format.

The work was created in 1957 (Showa 32) to commemorate the completion and consecration of the shoin at Komyō-in Temple. The original model was designed by Ozaki Issō, a noted Showa-period sculptor active in Buddhist art and sculpture, who held non-competitive exhibitor status at the Nitten exhibitions. His refined modelling is evident in the calm facial expression, the layered iconography, and the balanced composition achieved within the shallow relief.

The reverse bears a clearly carved inscription recording the year, the temple name, and the dedication, giving the piece strong documentary and historical value beyond its devotional role. Over time, the surface has developed a deep, subdued patina that enhances the sculptural details and lends the work a quiet, dignified presence.

There is natural age-related patina, light surface wear, and minor verdigris in places, consistent with its age. Overall, it remains in good preserved condition. Please refer to the photos for details.

Dimensions: approx. H 8 cm W 4 cm D 1.7 cm

・Please make sure to review all the provided information and images before placing your bid.
・We make every effort to accurately represent the product's colors and textures in our photos. However, due to differences in monitors and device displays, as well as photographic conditions, slight color variations between the photos and the actual product may occur. We ask for your understanding in advance.

Thank you for your interest, and happy bidding!

Seller's Story

Welcome to Yorozuya Arinsu!                                                             We are an antique shop based on the outskirts of Tokyo, originally focusing on the Japanese market but proudly expanding to serve international customers. In August 2023, we became a pro seller on Catawiki, and since then, we’ve enjoyed sharing our passion for Japanese art and antiques with collectors worldwide.                                           Our collection includes a diverse range of items, from genuine antiques to contemporary art pieces. We take pride in offering unique, high-quality objects that reflect Japan’s rich cultural heritage as well as modern creativity. If there’s something specific you’re looking for, feel free to reach out to us on Instagram: 【yorozuya_arinsu】                                                          Thank you for visiting our shop, and we look forward to helping you find your next special piece!                                   

Details

Era
1900-2000
Material
Thousand-Armed Kwan Yin (Guanyin) Relief by Ozaki Isso (尾崎一草)
Country of Origin
Japan
Height
8 cm
Width
4 cm
Depth
1.7 cm
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Estimated Period
Showa period
JapanVerified
4551
Objects sold
99.82%
protop

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