Busshi - Buddhist Sculptor Art

[ken kata]

Hello Forum Members,

As I dwindle in my twilight years,

I have turned to a different path, towards "enlightenment". 

 

As paradoxically as it seems,

I am still buying (Possessing desirable things).

The term "Japanese Collectibles" is a Paradox in it's self..

 

Here is my Buddha and Kannon Stautes for my Buddhist Alter that I am making in my Room.

I was looking for a Big Butsudan ( Japanese Buddhist Alter) 

They are price like Nihonto.  

I got to make my own Alter.  

 

The Wooden Standing Buddha Statue , about 19 inches tall.

said to be from the Edo Period ( 200 + years ) 

and, wooden  Kannon - Goddess of Mercy  about 35 inches tall. 

Seems to me, they belong in a Museum or dedicated Showroom.

 

 

Namu Amida Butsu

 

Alton Takata

 

[TETSUGENDO]

Alton,

 

 

Lovely..........."Nam-myoho-renge-kyo"

 

 

StevenK

[Baka Gaijin]

Hi Alton.,

 

I can't quite make out what Kannon is holding in her left hand, is it a lotus bud or lotus blossom?

[Rich S]

Really nice statues.

Rich

[ken kata]

Pleasant Sunday Everyone. 

 

Malcolm, 

Attached is photos of both sides.

I don't know what the "object" is..

I would like to know,

....just to be "knowledgeable" about "my" ( Temporary Custodian    )  statue.

 

I found this site. this morning

 

Jimotsu or Jibutsu :

 http://www.onmarkproductions.com/html/objects-symbols-weapons-senju.html 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Henry Wilson]

I would say the item is a lotus. 

 

For some reason I feel that the gold Kannon statue might not be Japanese.  The style of image is from Tang China, especially how the belly is protruding, as seen in Yakushi-Ji in Nara (see below).  But the workmanship does not appear Japanese to me.  Could it be Chinese?

 

[ken kata]

Hello Members ,

StevenK , 

Thanks for the Nam-myoho-renge-kyo  

Good readings there..

 

Oh Henry ( one of the best Candy Bar made     ) ,

 

I bought this without even thinking about that..

 but, it was from Katsuhiro-san, a gentleman in Japan, that sells Buddist Statues. 

( Confidence builder on my part    )

I've been on You Tube , trying to watch every video on Buddhist Statues.

Begin Japanology, Core Kyoto, all the Asian Antique videos.

 

I'm still in the phase of learning the different Facial expressions and conveyance of the Kannon faces.

The body/Torso was not as slim as the Indian/Tibetan  figures.

This Kannon I have, seems to have a lean , muscular Torso.

More like a male, than a female type body.

I just looked at mine.. 

"He" does look, like he has a "Pot Belly" 

 

.

 

..

[John A Stuart]

Remember Kannon is Guan Yin who was based on Avalokitasvara a male god in this creator deity form. There is some slippage of male and female here, so kind of androgynous often. 

John

[Henry Wilson]

I highly recommend this book. It gives a nice overview of principle statues in Japan.

 

 

https://www.amazon.com/Butsuzō-Kanshō-Gaido-Eiyakutsuki-Sculpture/dp/4262145336/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1517226384&sr=8-2&keywords=A+Guide+to+Japanese+Buddhist+Sculpture

[ken kata]

I highly recommend this book. It gives a nice overview of principle statues in Japan.

 

 

https://www.amazon.com/Butsuzō-Kanshō-Gaido-Eiyakutsuki-Sculpture/dp/4262145336/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1517226384&sr=8-2&keywords=A+Guide+to+Japanese+Buddhist+Sculpture4F94AAAA-1E13-4893-81D1-EA9F7808202B.jpeg

Hello Members.. 

Good Morning from Hawaii

 

Thank you gentlemen, 

Henry, Thank you..

I just bought one from Amazon.

All those books are in Japan.

[Kanenaga]

Your Cannon (Guan Yin) may be holding a Chinese-style ruyi scepter.

I'll try to upload a photo of a bronze one that lives with me.

 

 

[Kanenaga]

Trying again...

[TETSUGENDO]

Les,

 

Your sculpture does indeed hold a ruyi scepter. The article held by Ken's piece appears to be a lotus-form ornament, the requisite stylized fungus form head is not present.

 

-StevenK

[ken kata]

Good Morning,

You guys remember those old stop motion photography..like Sinbad, Jason and the Argonauts?

 

For some reason, I can imagine this statue staring to move..

first, looking around, then, trying to step off the Platform.

Then looking down, and, seeing his/her feet attached to the base.

Then, trying to lift their foot off, breaking the bond from the platform.

 

From The 7th Voyage of Sinbad.

 

Kannon in  the ChamBara scene : 

[TETSUGENDO]

That was fun!  Ah, the days when no one bothered with cultural or historical accuracy....what a hodgepodge.

 

-StevenK

[ken kata]

Hello Guys,

1st.

Disclaimer: I am not or referring anything about "regrets" toward the "Buying" of the Kannon Statue I bought.

The Gentleman who I bought it from had this large size wooden Kannon and I wanted one.

This is not a complaint or feedback against him  

 

I (We) are here to learn and/or, research Japanese Art .

 

i received, and,  

I was reading the BUDDHIST SCULPTURES book.

There was a chapter about "Characteristics of Buddha Statues"

It is stated that there is a "Number of specifications set by the Scriptures that the Bushi ( Sculptors) had to adhere to. "

They are called "Iconographic ( Spelling?)  Characteristics of Buddha "

 

 

I did ask another seller of Buddhist Statues, and, she said another Statue supplier said to look for the lines on the neck of the Statues.

according to the Book, those lines are called "Sando", (Three rings at neck)..

It is one of the 32 iconographic traits, symbolizing his Super Human qualities.

 

I am not sure, as, the book did not specify, that, these "characteristics" hold true, for the Kannons, Myo-o, and Ten -mons.

Question? 

If it is not Japanese made, will it still be "OK"  in a Japanese Butsudan?

I hope and pray it will..   

[John A Stuart]

Sando appear on some Jizo or Bosatsu statues, but, not all. They are not one of the 32 lakshana. Anyway, as these statues are a focal mechanism to direct thought towards enlightenment and not an idol, I do not see any problem displaying one whether Burmese, Thai, Chinese, Lao; it is the representation only. John

[ken kata]

Thanks John, 

I forgot to mention, that the staute sellers said the same thing, that, 

"Sando appear on some Jizo or Bosatsu Statues, but, not all".. ( as quoted by John )

 

I just received this wooded Seated Nyorai Statue.

Said to be from the 1800's.. The Statue is , about 15 inches tall.

 

The Pedestal, ( called Diaza) type is called  "Renge-za " or, Lotus Pedestal

Got some damage/ Missing "Leaf.

I am making a "replacement " for that missing  leaf, and, i got to learn how to make/apply that "Patina" look. 

I saw that, there is places that sell "Patina" paints. Got to look for those again.

 

The top / tip of the "Halo" was cracked and glued back on..

The Halo, or, know as Kohai, represents the light emitting from the Buddha, when he reaches "Enlightenment"..

On this Statue is called Niju-enso , or, double Ring Halo

 

This Statue was "Low priced".. I guess because of the amount of damage, but, for what it is,

I was very "Happy' to obtain it.

 

Namu Amida Butsu