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






Holds a master’s in Japanese art history with over 10 years’ expertise in Asian art.
€200 | ||
|---|---|---|
€50 | ||
€10 |
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 142645 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
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.
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
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.
