Carving: Jizo (Kshitigarbha), Protector of Travelers and Children

2000.20.0003A

Thumbnail of Carving: Jizo (Kshitigarbha), Protector of Travelers and Children (2000.20.0003A)

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Basic Information

Artifact Identification Carving: Jizo (Kshitigarbha), Protector of Travelers and Children   (2000.20.0003A)
Classification/
Nomenclature
  1. Communication Artifacts
  2. :
  3. Personal Symbols
  4. :
  5. Belief Symbols
Artist/Maker Unknown
Geographic Location
Period Edo Period
Date 18th century
Culture Japanese
Location Not on Exhibit

Physical Analysis

Dimension 1 (Height) 50.1 cm
Dimension 2 (Width) 16.1 cm
Dimension 3 (Depth) 11.5 cm
Weight 731 g
Measuring Remarks N/A
Materials Plant--Wood
Manufacturing Processes Carved, Inlaying

Research Remarks

Description

"A rare Japanese wood carving of Jizo with attributes, 18th Century, height 21 inches. Jizo is the Japanese name for the Bodhisativa Kshitigarbha. Kshitigarbha is the major Bodhisativa worshipped in Japan. He was looked upon as the protector of travelers and children (karako), as the guardian of the earth, his name meaning "matrix of the earth". His attributes are the alarm staff or "shakujo" with which he warns the insects in his path so that he does not step on them, and the magic jewel. In Japan, he is represented in fine arts, and sculpture (especially metalwares such as bronze). It is exceedingly difficult to find a quality wood carving of Jizo from any period of time." - Bernie McManus, Appraiser, Woodbury House, Connecticut, 9/7/2000.

10/20/2006: "Figure robed, with simple shoes, holds staff in R hand; jewel in left. Stands. Elongated pierced earlobes, raised dot on forehead." -Unknown, no date

Published Description N/A
Bibliography Under Review

Artifact History

Credit Line/Dedication Fred A. Freund Collection
Reproduction No

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