Japan, a fine and elegant antique Kanon Guan Yin standing in a classic compassionate mudra- a superb work of art cast in solid bronze with original traces of old gold gilding.

Signed on back of base, Shohei

The peaceful and youthful Kanon with sublime down cast eyes with his right hand palm up and left hand palm vertical in a mudra of compassion. The tall figure stands atop a cylindrical double lotus base set upon a square four legged platform. The simple hair line is decorated by a loop of flowers and his chest by a beaded prayer necklace. The separately cast mandorla is positioned at the rear of head.

Original natural smooth and variegated patina with traces of the original gold gilding- just the way we like to find them- appropriate to its old age.

Dimensions: 11 inches tall and 2.25 inches wide.

Provenance: private collection Kyoto, Japan
Lifetime guarantee of authenticity.

History:
Research reveals that this work of art was a gilded Seishi Kanon Bodhisattva and was created with old traditional techniques, following the original model in Horyuji temple. Written date : December 24th, early Showa era.
The first generation of Hatano Shohei (1813-1892) was born in Kyoto and used to be the disciple of Yasunosuke (Anpei, 1780-1841) and learned the metal casting when he is 11 years old. His young brother is Hata Zoroku.
Cast over 100 years ago at Kibundo in Kyoto , Kibundo was an iron kettle manufacturer in the Kyoto region (Notogawa) of Shiga Prefecture, founded in 1813 by Shohei Hatano. Unfortunately, Kibundo has ceased to exist, but in recent years, its fine quality earlier production are highly sought after and are coveted works of art. We will include a copy of the documented research.

About Guanyin:
Guanyin is a bodhisattva who in the Buddhist tradition is to appear on earth, achieve enlightenment and who will be the successor to the historic Sakymuni Buddha. Kanon is a Japanese name for Guanyin, an East Asian bodhisattva and spiritual figure associated with mercy and compassion.