Japanese Buddhist Jizo Figure - Tiny Stone Bodhisattva

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Preferred Checkout If you are the winning bidder, click the Checkout button to go directly to my Checkout page! For fastest processing of your order, please use Vendio Checkout! Payment | Checkout | Shipping | Store Policies Japanese Buddhist Jizo Figure - Tiny Stone Bodhisattva Description If you take a stroll along nearly any road in Japan you are likely to periodically spot small stone statues set along the roadside, especially at highway intersections and at the boundaries of small towns and villages. These statues frequently represent the Buddhist divinity Jizo who is the patron god of travelers and pilgrims as well as expectant mothers, children, and even firemen. Jizo is a bodhisattva or one who has achieved enlightenment yet has remained behind to help others along the spiritual path. Jizo has a particular interest in children who may be trapped in hell, and the divinity is thought to often intervene on the their behalf and even hide little ones within the sleeves of his robe when roving demons are on the prowl. Jizo has long been a very popular figure in Japanese Buddhism w he is described as "a friend to all" and "never frightening, even to children". Though of Indian origin and originally female, Jizo did first appear in Japan during the Nara period (710-94) w her popularity quickly grew and she was soon regarded as the deity of the common people. For various reasons Jizo did eventually transform into a male figure in Japan. However, the divinity's feminine roots are still evident in the translation of his name which can mean either "womb of the earth" or "earth treasure". In fact, Jizo is still sometimes found in Japan in female form especially as the Koyasu (child-giving) Jizo . Roadside images of Jizo are often found alone or in groupings of six . The number six being representative of the six realms of reincarnation which encompass all beings trapped within the wheel of life. We can imagine then that to travelers of old Japan the sight of a roadside Jizo must have been a comforting reminder of the deity's promise to look after and protect any and all on the road to enlightenment. About the listed item This authentic tiny (please see size information below) Japanese Buddhist Jizo figure is carved from stone and depicts the bodhisattva in a standing position holding a religious object and wearing a expression of benevolent calm. The statue wears a small red scarf and is secured to a worn river stone which serves as a base. The statue dates from the mid to late Showa period (1926-1989) and is in fair condition with marks and scratches from handing and a rich patina of age. The statue may have previously been used in an outdoor setting. Size: Height of statue (excluding base): 1.4 inches (3.5 centimeters) Weight: 0.9 ounces (27 grams) Click to see other Jizo items! Click to see more Buddhist items! Click to see additional treasures from Japan! item code: R1S4-0003430 ship code: L2160 Payment Back to Top I accept the following forms of payment: PayPal Money Order Personal Check Preferred Checkout Back to Top If you are the winning bidder, click the Checkout button to go directly to my Checkout page! Shipping & Handling Back to Top Please see the Policies section below for additional information. US Shipping $9.88 Airmail to USA & Canada $14.56 EMS Express to USA & Canada International Shipping $10.42 Airmail to rest of world $16.75 EMS Express to rest of world Album Album Album Album Album Album Album Album Store Policies Satisfaction Guarantee Back to Top We really want you to be happy with your purchase! For this reaso... read more

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