Stone Jizo

Stone JizoThis stone Jizo is a serene and enduring statue. Jizo are often found along roadsides, temples, and sacred spaces in Japan. Typically carved from weathered stone, Jizo statues depict a gentle, compassionate figure of a bodhisattva, known for their role as a protector of children, travelers, and the souls of the deceased. The stone surface of the statue has traces of moss, lichens, and the wear of time. Many Jizo statues are dressed with red bibs or

lightweight Okinawan textile woven from the fibers of the itobasho (Japanese fiber banana) plant

the Japanese blended existing woodblock techniques (Sosaku Hanga and Shin Hanga) with western techniques- if they used western techniques at all

areas of damage

the piece reflects the humble character of Edo-period folk wares

where practicality was balanced with a quiet sense of beauty

Original tomobako storage box included

Large Shigaraki jar with wonderful asymmetric shape

The shrine is in excellent condition

To produce light areas

Meirinji Shitsu Jū-yon Dai or Meiji (era) 26th Year (1893)

Together these motifs embody endurance

An article (in Japanese) from 2015 details a gentleman who turned up 7 similar molds in Hikone