Stele of Horseheaded Batou Kannon 馬頭観音 dated 1783 - Granite - Japan - Mid Edo period

00
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21
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Current bid
€ 200
Reserve price not met
Giovanni Bottero
Expert
Selected by Giovanni Bottero

Holds a master’s in Japanese art history with over 10 years’ expertise in Asian art.

Estimate  € 800 - € 900
ES
€200
BE
€50
NL
€10

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Original stele carved from grey granite, Japan, dated 1783 (mid-Edo period) with a relief of Batō Kannon, measuring 51 × 26 × 21 cm and in excellent original condition; certificate of authenticity included with shipment.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

A stele crafted from grey hand-carved granite, featuring a detailed relief of Batō Kannon 馬頭観音, the Horse-Headed Kannon, one of the distinctive manifestations of Kannon, the Bodhisattva of Compassion.

This deity is traditionally identified by a small horse’s head appearing above the face or within the headdress. This unusual iconography reflects Batō Kannon’s role as a powerful protector, capable of overcoming obstacles and relieving suffering, in accordance with the belief that “Batō devours passions as a horse eats grass.”

Many Batō Kannon sekibutsu were deliberately placed beside roads, at crossroads, mountain passes and other locations intimately connected with travel and the movement of horses. As such, they often also functioned as roadside markers, while offering protection to travellers and their animals.

Dimensions:
Height 51 cm, Width 26 cm, Depth 21 cm.

Period:
Japan – dated 1783 (Tenmei 3, mid-Edo period).

It has developed an appealing, naturally weathered patina from having stood outdoors for many years. In very good original condition, with a small old chip to the upper point. Please refer to the photos for a clear indication of its condition.

When shipped, we will include a certificate of authenticity.

Seller's Story

Since 1996, Japanese Antique Store has been importing Japanese antiques directly from Japan. We travel several times a year through Japan and visit auctions, shows, dealers, and collectors. Besides our physical store in Amsterdam, we are also active on Catawiki. We specialize in Samoeraipantser (Yoroi) and objects, lacquerware, screens, paintings, Buddhist images, and many more Japanese artifacts!
Translated by Google Translate

A stele crafted from grey hand-carved granite, featuring a detailed relief of Batō Kannon 馬頭観音, the Horse-Headed Kannon, one of the distinctive manifestations of Kannon, the Bodhisattva of Compassion.

This deity is traditionally identified by a small horse’s head appearing above the face or within the headdress. This unusual iconography reflects Batō Kannon’s role as a powerful protector, capable of overcoming obstacles and relieving suffering, in accordance with the belief that “Batō devours passions as a horse eats grass.”

Many Batō Kannon sekibutsu were deliberately placed beside roads, at crossroads, mountain passes and other locations intimately connected with travel and the movement of horses. As such, they often also functioned as roadside markers, while offering protection to travellers and their animals.

Dimensions:
Height 51 cm, Width 26 cm, Depth 21 cm.

Period:
Japan – dated 1783 (Tenmei 3, mid-Edo period).

It has developed an appealing, naturally weathered patina from having stood outdoors for many years. In very good original condition, with a small old chip to the upper point. Please refer to the photos for a clear indication of its condition.

When shipped, we will include a certificate of authenticity.

Seller's Story

Since 1996, Japanese Antique Store has been importing Japanese antiques directly from Japan. We travel several times a year through Japan and visit auctions, shows, dealers, and collectors. Besides our physical store in Amsterdam, we are also active on Catawiki. We specialize in Samoeraipantser (Yoroi) and objects, lacquerware, screens, paintings, Buddhist images, and many more Japanese artifacts!
Translated by Google Translate

Details

Dynastic Style/Period
Mid Edo period
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
Japan
Attribution
Original
Material
Granite
Height
51 cm
Width
26 cm
Title of artwork
Stele of Horseheaded Batou Kannon 馬頭観音 dated 1783
Depth
21 cm
Condition
Excellent condition
Authenticity
Original/official
The NetherlandsVerified
3688
Objects sold
100%
protop

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