Meiji Period Ivory Sculpture of a Standing Kanon

This is a finely carved ivory sculpture of Kanon (Guanyin, or Avalokitesvara). Kanon is depicted standing barefoot on a lotus base grown out of the shore, wearing a high cowl and long flowing robes, with a serene expression on her face. She wears a headpiece that features an image of her master Amitabha. While holding a vase in her left hand, her right hand forms the varada (no-fear) mudra.
Guanyin has become extremely popular in Chinese folk religion. The invention of his new forms, such as the Water Moon Form, has stimulated people’s boundless imagination of the deity. Derived from the Water Moon Form, the Taoist Guanyin becomes a female deity who dresses in an elegant white robe, further enhancing her purity and transcendental compassion. This form of representation has later spread to Japan, establishing itself as the convention of Guanyin figure, as shown by this piece.

Kanon’s facial features and the way to depict the sea resemble a conventional Ukiyo-e style, subtly suggesting the sculpture’s Japanese origin. – (RL.1005)