Description

If you take a stroll along nearly any road in Japan you are likely to periodically spot small stone statues set along the roadside, especially at highway intersections and at the boundaries of small towns and villages.  These statues frequently represent the Buddhist divinity Jizo who is the patron god of travelers and pilgrims as well as expectant mothers, children, and even firemen.  Jizo is a bodhisattva or one who has achieved enlightenment yet has remained behind to help others along the spiritual path.  Jizo has a particular interest in children who may be trapped in hell, and the divinity is thought to often intervene on the their behalf and even hide little ones within the sleeves of his robe when roving demons are on the prowl.  Jizo has long been a very popular figure in Japanese Buddhism where he is described as “a friend to all” and “never frightening, even to children”.  Though of Indian origin and originally female, Jizo did first appear in Japan during the Nara period (710-94) where her popularity quickly grew and she was soon regarded as the deity of the common people.  For various reasons Jizo did eventually transform into a male figure in Japan.  However, the divinity’s feminine roots are still evident in the translation of his name which can mean either “womb of the earth” or “earth treasure”.  In fact, Jizo is still sometimes found in Japan in female form especially as the Koyasu (child-giving) Jizo.  Roadside images of Jizo are often found alone or in groupings of six.  The number six being representative of the six realms of reincarnation which encompass all beings trapped within the wheel of life.  We can imagine then that to travelers of old Japan the sight of a roadside Jizo must have been a comforting reminder of the deity’s promise to look after and protect any and all on the road to enlightenment.

About the listed item

This authentic Japanese Buddhist Jizo figure is hollow and made of a metal (possibly brass) and depicts the bodhisattva in a standing position holding a staff and religious object and wearing a expression of benevolent calm.  The statue dates from the early to mid Showa period (1926-1989) and is in fair condition with no cracks and only a few small chips and scratches and a rich dark patina of age.  The statue may have once included a halo which is now missing.  This is inferred due to the presence of a small piece of metal at the back where the halo was likely attached (visible and noted in detailed listing photos).

Size:
Height: 5.7 inches (14.5 centimeters)
Weight: 4.9 ounces (141 grams)

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item code: R1S3-0004458
ship code: L1650

 

Description

If you take a stroll along nearly any road in Japan you are likely to periodically spot small stone statues set along the roadside, especially at highway intersections and at the boundaries of small towns and villages.  These statues frequently represent the Buddhist divinity Jizo who is the patron god of travelers and pilgrims as well as expectant mothers, children, and even firemen.  Jizo is a bodhisattva or one who has achieved enlightenment yet has remained behind to help others along the spiritual path.  Jizo has a particular interest in children who may be trapped in hell, and the divinity is thought to often intervene on the their behalf and even hide little ones within the sleeves of his robe when roving demons are on the prowl.  Jizo has long been a very popular figure in Japanese Buddhism where he is described as “a friend to all” and “never frightening, even to children”.  Though of Indian origin and originally female, Jizo did first appear in Japan during the Nara period (710-94) where her popularity quickly grew and she was soon regarded as the deity of the common people.  For various reasons Jizo did eventually transform into a male figure in Japan.  However, the divinity’s feminine roots are still evident in the translation of his name which can mean either “womb of the earth” or “earth treasure”.  In fact, Jizo is still sometimes found in Japan in female form especially as the Koyasu (child-giving) Jizo.  Roadside images of Jizo are often found alone or in groupings of six.  The number six being representative of the six realms of reincarnation which encompass all beings trapped within the wheel of life.  We can imagine then that to travelers of old Japan the sight of a roadside Jizo must have been a comforting reminder of the deity’s promise to look after and protect any and all on the road to enlightenment.

About the listed item

This authentic small (please see size information below) Japanese Buddhist Jizo figure depicts the bodhisattva in a standing position with hands clasped in prayer and wearing a expression of benevolent calm.  This brand new ceramic statue was hand-made by the Japanese ceramic artist Yoko Suzuki.  Ms. Suzuki lives in central Japan and specializes in one-of-a-kind art pieces utilizing contemporary as well as themes from traditional Japanese culture.  Please click here to see more items from this artist.

Size:
Height: 2.3 inches (6.0 centimeters)
Weight: 1.3 ounces (36 grams)

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item code: R1S3-0003865
category code: yokochan
ship code: L1650

 

Description

If you take a stroll along nearly any road in Japan you are likely to periodically spot small stone statues set along the roadside, especially at highway intersections and at the boundaries of small towns and villages.  These statues frequently represent the Buddhist divinity Jizo who is the patron god of travelers and pilgrims as well as expectant mothers, children, and even firemen.  Jizo is a bodhisattva or one who has achieved enlightenment yet has remained behind to help others along the spiritual path.  Jizo has a particular interest in children who may be trapped in hell, and the divinity is thought to often intervene on the their behalf and even hide little ones within the sleeves of his robe when roving demons are on the prowl.  Jizo has long been a very popular figure in Japanese Buddhism where he is described as “a friend to all” and “never frightening, even to children”.  Though of Indian origin and originally female, Jizo did first appear in Japan during the Nara period (710-94) where her popularity quickly grew and she was soon regarded as the deity of the common people.  For various reasons Jizo did eventually transform into a male figure in Japan.  However, the divinity’s feminine roots are still evident in the translation of his name which can mean either “womb of the earth” or “earth treasure”.  In fact, Jizo is still sometimes found in Japan in female form especially as the Koyasu (child-giving) Jizo.  Roadside images of Jizo are often found alone or in groupings of six.  The number six being representative of the six realms of reincarnation which encompass all beings trapped within the wheel of life.  We can imagine then that to travelers of old Japan the sight of a roadside Jizo must have been a comforting reminder of the deity’s promise to look after and protect any and all on the road to enlightenment.

About the listed item

This authentic tiny (please see size information below) Japanese Buddhist Jizo figure depicts the bodhisattva in a standing position holding a religious object and wearing a expression of benevolent calm.  The statue dates from the mid to late Showa period (1926-1989) and is in fair condition with marks and scratches from handing and a rich patina of age.  The statue may be made of molded resin and is mounted on a river stone base.

Size:
Height (excluding stone base): 2.7 inches (7.0 centimeters)
Weight: 1.7 ounces (48 grams)

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item code: R3S4B5-0003708
ship code: L2160

Description

If you take a stroll along nearly any road in Japan you are likely to periodically spot small stone statues set along the roadside, especially at highway intersections and at the boundaries of small towns and villages.  These statues frequently represent the Buddhist divinity Jizo who is the patron god of travelers and pilgrims as well as expectant mothers, children, and even firemen.  Jizo is a bodhisattva or one who has achieved enlightenment yet has remained behind to help others along the spiritual path.  Jizo has a particular interest in children who may be trapped in hell, and the divinity is thought to often intervene on the their behalf and even hide little ones within the sleeves of his robe when roving demons are on the prowl.  Jizo has long been a very popular figure in Japanese Buddhism where he is described as “a friend to all” and “never frightening, even to children”.  Though of Indian origin and originally female, Jizo did first appear in Japan during the Nara period (710-94) where her popularity quickly grew and she was soon regarded as the deity of the common people.  For various reasons Jizo did eventually transform into a male figure in Japan.  However, the divinity’s feminine roots are still evident in the translation of his name which can mean either “womb of the earth” or “earth treasure”.  In fact, Jizo is still sometimes found in Japan in female form especially as the Koyasu (child-giving) Jizo.  Roadside images of Jizo are often found alone or in groupings of six.  The number six being representative of the six realms of reincarnation which encompass all beings trapped within the wheel of life.  We can imagine then that to travelers of old Japan the sight of a roadside Jizo must have been a comforting reminder of the deity’s promise to look after and protect any and all on the road to enlightenment.

About the listed item

This authentic small (please see size information below) Japanese Buddhist Jizo figure depicts the bodhisattva in a standing position with hands clasped in prayer and wearing a expression of benevolent calm.  This brand new ceramic statue was hand-made by the Japanese ceramic artist Yoko Suzuki.  Ms. Suzuki lives in central Japan and specializes in one-of-a-kind art pieces utilizing contemporary as well as themes from traditional Japanese culture.  Please click here to see more items from this artist.

Size:
Height: 2.5 inches (6.5 centimeters)
Weight: 1.3 ounces (36 grams)

Click here to see other Jizo items!
Click here to see more Buddhist items!
Click here to see additional treasures from Japan!

item code: R1S4-0003533
category code: yokochan
ship code: L1650

 

Description

If you take a stroll along nearly any road in Japan you are likely to periodically spot small stone statues set along the roadside, especially at highway intersections and at the boundaries of small towns and villages.  These statues frequently represent the Buddhist divinity Jizo who is the patron god of travelers and pilgrims as well as expectant mothers, children, and even firemen.  Jizo is a bodhisattva or one who has achieved enlightenment yet has remained behind to help others along the spiritual path.  Jizo has a particular interest in children who may be trapped in hell, and the divinity is thought to often intervene on the their behalf and even hide little ones within the sleeves of his robe when roving demons are on the prowl.  Jizo has long been a very popular figure in Japanese Buddhism where he is described as “a friend to all” and “never frightening, even to children”.  Though of Indian origin and originally female, Jizo did first appear in Japan during the Nara period (710-94) where her popularity quickly grew and she was soon regarded as the deity of the common people.  For various reasons Jizo did eventually transform into a male figure in Japan.  However, the divinity’s feminine roots are still evident in the translation of his name which can mean either “womb of the earth” or “earth treasure”.  In fact, Jizo is still sometimes found in Japan in female form especially as the Koyasu (child-giving) Jizo.  Roadside images of Jizo are often found alone or in groupings of six.  The number six being representative of the six realms of reincarnation which encompass all beings trapped within the wheel of life.  We can imagine then that to travelers of old Japan the sight of a roadside Jizo must have been a comforting reminder of the deity’s promise to look after and protect any and all on the road to enlightenment.

About the listed item

This authentic tiny (please see size information below) Japanese Buddhist Jizo figure is carved from stone and depicts the bodhisattva in a standing position holding a religious object and wearing a expression of benevolent calm.  The statue wears a small red scarf and is secured to a worn river stone which serves as a base.  The statue dates from the mid to late Showa period (1926-1989) and is in fair condition with marks and scratches from handing and a rich patina of age.  The statue may have previously been used in an outdoor setting.

Size:
Height of statue (excluding base): 1.4 inches (3.5 centimeters)
Weight: 0.9 ounces (27 grams)

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item code: R1S4-0003430
ship code: L2160

 

Description

If you take a stroll along nearly any road in Japan you are likely to periodically spot small stone statues set along the roadside, especially at highway intersections and at the boundaries of small towns and villages.  These statues frequently represent the Buddhist divinity Jizo who is the patron god of travelers and pilgrims as well as expectant mothers, children, and even firemen.  Jizo is a bodhisattva or one who has achieved enlightenment yet has remained behind to help others along the spiritual path.  Jizo has a particular interest in children who may be trapped in hell, and the divinity is thought to often intervene on the their behalf and even hide little ones within the sleeves of his robe when roving demons are on the prowl.  Jizo has long been a very popular figure in Japanese Buddhism where he is described as “a friend to all” and “never frightening, even to children”.  Though of Indian origin and originally female, Jizo did first appear in Japan during the Nara period (710-94) where her popularity quickly grew and she was soon regarded as the deity of the common people.  For various reasons Jizo did eventually transform into a male figure in Japan.  However, the divinity’s feminine roots are still evident in the translation of his name which can mean either “womb of the earth” or “earth treasure”.  In fact, Jizo is still sometimes found in Japan in female form especially as the Koyasu (child-giving) Jizo.  Roadside images of Jizo are often found alone or in groupings of six.  The number six being representative of the six realms of reincarnation which encompass all beings trapped within the wheel of life.  We can imagine then that to travelers of old Japan the sight of a roadside Jizo must have been a comforting reminder of the deity’s promise to look after and protect any and all on the road to enlightenment.

About the listed item

This splendid antique Japanese Buddhist Jizo figure is carved from wood and depicts the bodhisattva in a standing position and wearing a expression of benevolent calm.  The statue dates from the late 19th or early 20th century and is in poor condition with broken arms and a missing section of base.  The statue also has chips, marks and scratches from handling and is quite dusty.

Size:
Height: 9.8 inches (25.2 centimeters)
Weight: 8.3 ounces (238 grams)

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item code: R1S7-0003655
ship code: G6

Description

If you take a stroll along nearly any road in Japan you are likely to periodically spot small stone statues set along the roadside, especially at highway intersections and at the boundaries of small towns and villages.  These statues frequently represent the Buddhist divinity Jizo who is the patron god of travelers and pilgrims as well as expectant mothers, children, and even firemen.  Jizo is a bodhisattva or one who has achieved enlightenment yet has remained behind to help others along the spiritual path.  Jizo has a particular interest in children who may be trapped in hell, and the divinity is thought to often intervene on the their behalf and even hide little ones within the sleeves of his robe when roving demons are on the prowl.  Jizo has long been a very popular figure in Japanese Buddhism where he is described as “a friend to all” and “never frightening, even to children”.  Though of Indian origin and originally female, Jizo did first appear in Japan during the Nara period (710-94) where her popularity quickly grew and she was soon regarded as the deity of the common people.  For various reasons Jizo did eventually transform into a male figure in Japan.  However, the divinity’s feminine roots are still evident in the translation of his name which can mean either “womb of the earth” or “earth treasure”.  In fact, Jizo is still sometimes found in Japan in female form especially as the Koyasu (child-giving) Jizo.  Roadside images of Jizo are often found alone or in groupings of six.  The number six being representative of the six realms of reincarnation which encompass all beings trapped within the wheel of life.  We can imagine then that to travelers of old Japan the sight of a roadside Jizo must have been a comforting reminder of the deity’s promise to look after and protect any and all on the road to enlightenment.

About the listed item

This small Japanese Buddhist Jizo figure is made of ceramic and depicts the bodhisattva in a standing position.  The statue is less than 20 years old and is in good condition with no cracks and only a few small marks and scratches from handling.

Size:
Height: 3.5 inches (9.0 centimeters)
Weight: 1.6 ounces (46 grams)

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item code: R3S4B4-0003380
ship code: L1650

Description

If you take a stroll along nearly any road in Japan you are likely to periodically spot small stone statues set along the roadside, especially at highway intersections and at the boundaries of small towns and villages.  These statues frequently represent the Buddhist divinity Jizo who is the patron god of travelers and pilgrims as well as expectant mothers, children, and even firemen.  Jizo is a bodhisattva or one who has achieved enlightenment yet has remained behind to help others along the spiritual path.  Jizo has a particular interest in children who may be trapped in hell, and the divinity is thought to often intervene on the their behalf and even hide little ones within the sleeves of his robe when roving demons are on the prowl.  Jizo has long been a very popular figure in Japanese Buddhism where he is described as “a friend to all” and “never frightening, even to children”.  Though of Indian origin and originally female, Jizo did first appear in Japan during the Nara period (710-94) where her popularity quickly grew and she was soon regarded as the deity of the common people.  For various reasons Jizo did eventually transform into a male figure in Japan.  However, the divinity’s feminine roots are still evident in the translation of his name which can mean either “womb of the earth” or “earth treasure”.  In fact, Jizo is still sometimes found in Japan in female form especially as the Koyasu (child-giving) Jizo.  Roadside images of Jizo are often found alone or in groupings of six.  The number six being representative of the six realms of reincarnation which encompass all beings trapped within the wheel of life.  We can imagine then that to travelers of old Japan the sight of a roadside Jizo must have been a comforting reminder of the deity’s promise to look after and protect any and all on the road to enlightenment.

About the listed item

This small Japanese Buddhist Jizo figure is made of ceramic and depicts the bodhisattva in a standing position holding a religious object.  The statue is less than 20 years old and is in good condition with no cracks and only a few small marks and scratches from handling.

Size:
Height: 3.7 inches (9.5 centimeters)
Weight: 2.1 ounces (60 grams)

Click here to see other Jizo items!
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item code: R3S4B4-0003379
ship code: L1650

Description

If you take a stroll along nearly any road in Japan you are likely to periodically spot small stone statues set along the roadside, especially at highway intersections and at the boundaries of small towns and villages.  These statues frequently represent the Buddhist divinity Jizo who is the patron god of travelers and pilgrims as well as expectant mothers, children, and even firemen.  Jizo is a bodhisattva or one who has achieved enlightenment yet has remained behind to help others along the spiritual path.  Jizo has a particular interest in children who may be trapped in hell, and the divinity is thought to often intervene on the their behalf and even hide little ones within the sleeves of his robe when roving demons are on the prowl.  Jizo has long been a very popular figure in Japanese Buddhism where he is described as “a friend to all” and “never frightening, even to children”.  Though of Indian origin and originally female, Jizo did first appear in Japan during the Nara period (710-94) where her popularity quickly grew and she was soon regarded as the deity of the common people.  For various reasons Jizo did eventually transform into a male figure in Japan.  However, the divinity’s feminine roots are still evident in the translation of his name which can mean either “womb of the earth” or “earth treasure”.  In fact, Jizo is still sometimes found in Japan in female form especially as the Koyasu (child-giving) Jizo.  Roadside images of Jizo are often found alone or in groupings of six.  The number six being representative of the six realms of reincarnation which encompass all beings trapped within the wheel of life.  We can imagine then that to travelers of old Japan the sight of a roadside Jizo must have been a comforting reminder of the deity’s promise to look after and protect any and all on the road to enlightenment.

About the Listed Item

Lovely tiny (please see size information below) Japanese wooden kokeshi doll taking the shape of the Buddhist patron saint, Jizo.  This interesting doll is less than 40 years old and is in fair condition with marks and scratches from handling and discoloration and stains from age and display.  This is a ‘naruko‘ style kokeshi with a special neck joint which allows the doll to squeak when the head is turned.  This clever design was developed long ago by craftsmen seeking a way to cause the dolls cry like a baby.  Please read below to learn about the history of kokeshi dolls, one of Japan’s most unique and distinctive folk crafts.

Size:
Height: 4.0 inches (10.3 centimeters)
Weight: 0.8 ounces (24 grams)

Important note:
Images of the kokeshi we list are often uploaded to our Japan Vintage Kokeshi Blog which is an on-line gallery of unique and interesting kokeshi dolls.  The purpose of this blog is strictly to share images of some of the wonderful dolls we encounter in the course of our work, and to provide a digital archive to preserve these images into the future.  If you purchase a kokeshi from us and do not want a digital copy of your doll displayed in the photo blog or archive then please simply send us an email indicating your preference and we will promptly remove the image.

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More about Kokeshi

Kokeshi wooden dolls are one of the most unique and interesting of Japan’s many traditional folk crafts.  Originating in the early 19th century in the northern spa towns of Miyagi prefecture, kokeshi are thought to have first been produced as toys for children from leftover bits of scrap wood.  These early dolls were made by craftsmen who earned their living producing other types of woodcraft, but who eventually began to create kokeshi to be sold as souvenirs in the area’s many local hot spring resorts.  Over time the craft was refined, with many regional varieties appearing reflecting a wide range of technical and artistic variation.  Today there are several schools of kokeshi design led by master craftsmen who often pass their trade to succeeding generations within their own family.

When collecting kokeshi it is important to note that you will likely encounter two main types; dolls which are made by artists and those which are mass-produced to be sold as souvenirs.  The former are usually one-of-a-kind originals created by dedicated artisans who take their work very seriously and place great emphasis on traditional design and appearance.  The other type of kokeshi are those which are manufactured specifically to be sold as souvenirs of famous or interesting places such as resorts or hot springs.  These are produced en-mass, and while often attractive and interesting memorabilia they are not as frequently sought after by collectors and usually command a lower selling price.  How can you determine if a kokeshi is an ‘artist’ or ‘craftsman’ style doll?  This is actually quite easy as artist dolls are normally signed (on the bottom) by the maker, and may have no other writing on the body of the doll besides decorative calligraphy.  Souvenir types on the other hand are normally unsigned and may have the name of the place which sold them conspicuously visible on the body of the doll.  Collectors of Kokeshi typically place special emphasis on the facial quality of the dolls, desiring certain types - gentle or mischievous for example - over others.  One interesting Japanese Kokeshi collector we previously met expressed a preference for newer dolls over older ones, fearing the older dolls may be haunted.

item code: R2S4-0003192
ship code: L1650

 

Description

If you take a stroll along nearly any road in Japan you are likely to periodically spot small stone statues set along the roadside, especially at highway intersections and at the boundaries of small towns and villages.  These statues frequently represent the Buddhist divinity Jizo who is the patron god of travelers and pilgrims as well as expectant mothers, children, and even firemen.  Jizo is a bodhisattva or one who has achieved enlightenment yet has remained behind to help others along the spiritual path.  Jizo has a particular interest in children who may be trapped in hell, and the divinity is thought to often intervene on the their behalf and even hide little ones within the sleeves of his robe when roving demons are on the prowl.  Jizo has long been a very popular figure in Japanese Buddhism where he is described as “a friend to all” and “never frightening, even to children”.  Though of Indian origin and originally female, Jizo did first appear in Japan during the Nara period (710-94) where her popularity quickly grew and she was soon regarded as the deity of the common people.  For various reasons Jizo did eventually transform into a male figure in Japan.  However, the divinity’s feminine roots are still evident in the translation of his name which can mean either “womb of the earth” or “earth treasure”.  In fact, Jizo is still sometimes found in Japan in female form especially as the Koyasu (child-giving) Jizo.  Roadside images of Jizo are often found alone or in groupings of six.  The number six being representative of the six realms of reincarnation which encompass all beings trapped within the wheel of life.  We can imagine then that to travelers of old Japan the sight of a roadside Jizo must have been a comforting reminder of the deity’s promise to look after and protect any and all on the road to enlightenment.

About the listed item

This authentic small (please see size information below) Japanese Buddhist Jizo figure depicts the bodhisattva in a standing position with hands clasped in prayer and wearing a expression of benevolent calm.  This brand new ceramic statue was hand-made by the Japanese ceramic artist Yoko Suzuki.  Ms. Suzuki lives in central Japan and specializes in one-of-a-kind art pieces utilizing contemporary as well as themes from traditional Japanese culture.  Please click here to see more items from this artist.

Size:
Height: 2.7 inches (7.0 centimeters)
Weight: 1.7 ounces (48 grams)

Click here to see other Jizo items!
Click here to see more Buddhist items!
Click here to see additional treasures from Japan!

item code: R1S4-0003403
category code: yokochan
ship code: L1650