Japan Big Antique Glass Eye Bulls Pair Sculptures, Important Temple Find 19thc
$2,775.00
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From Our Recent Japanese Acquisitions Travels
Wow! When we laid eyes on this magnificent pair of hand carved wooden temple bulls, we were flabbergasted. We have never seen these.
Rarely available, each bull features exquisite Japanese artisan craftsmanship complete with original inlaid glass eyes. The temple or shrine bull commonly found in many temples, symbolize important and sacred meaning in Japan, for its presence commemorates famous poet and scholar, Sugawara no Michizane who reportedly was buried on the spot that the bull pulling his carriage dictated. Later that place became the site of the Dazaifu Tenman-gū Shrine (in Fukuoka), dedicated to Tenjin.
This wonderful pair of hand carved and hand painted wooden large-scale Buddhist bulls date solidly to the Edo period, mid 19th century and attesting to the surface weatherization appropriate to their good age.
The large works are carved in hardwood with finely rendered snout, ears, tails and bodies.
Much original patina remains on these treasures.
Dimensions: 10 inches high and 26 inches length
Age: Edo period, 19th century
They would make superb decor for fireplace, mantel, or entryway placements. Irreplaceable.
Provenance: Private Fukuoka collection.
History:
There are many shrines in Japan dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, a famous poet, scholar and politician from the Heian Period, who after death was deified, becoming Tenjin, the kami of scholarship, literature and calligraphy. The legend says that during his funerals, the bull pulling the carriage stopped abruptly and refused to go further. So, Sugawara no Michizane was buried on that spot and later, the place became the site of the Dazaifu Tenman-gū Shrine (in Fukuoka), dedicated to Tenjin. Because of this legend, many shrines dedicated to Tenjin have a large statue representing a bull lying down.
Only one pair.
Lifetime guarantee of authenticity: All of our Asian works of art come with our Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee.
We have been dealing in authentic Japanese, Chinese, European, and Asian Fine art, antiquities, garden ornaments, lanterns and water basins for 25 years. Our president personally travels to Japan, Europe and China each year to meet his network partners who assist him in finding best examples. He personally inspects each antique work of art to ensure its old age, authenticity and quality condition. After accumulating a group, they are imported to Vermont in large containers. This method keeps shipping costs low and enables us to offer them to you at reasonable prices. We ship internationally.
Item Details
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