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Japanese antique Buddhist statues/[Ten Kings statues]/Edo period/18-19th century
$1,000
£755.88
€867.03
CA$1,394.04
A$1,517.53
CHF 805.50
MX$18,259.12
NOK 10,206.83
SEK 9,352.34
DKK 6,474.93
About the Item
This wooden Buddhist statue (made from cypress wood) is thought to have been made in the Edo period, probably around the 18th or 19th century. It is one of the types of statues known as "Ten Kings Statues."
Ten Kings Statues are statues of the ten kings that the deceased are said to meet in the afterlife, based on Buddhist teachings. It is believed that after death, a person is judged every seven days from the seventh day after death, and that their reincarnation destination is decided by the 77th day (49th day). The Ten Kings are like judges, examining the deceased's actions in life and ultimately deciding whether they will go to paradise or hell.
Many such Ten Kings statues remain, especially in the Tohoku region and the Hokuriku region, including Niigata Prefecture. Although the specific place of production of this work has not yet been identified, it is assumed to belong to the same lineage as the Buddhist statues enshrined in the areas mentioned above. In fact, similar works are published in art books, and reference materials are included as examples.
In the past, each village or settlement had a small hall called a "Jizo-do" where these statues of the Ten Kings were enshrined along with Jizo Bodhisattva. Jizo Bodhisattva is said to save all living beings from all hardships and is widely worshipped.
The Jizo-do was not only a place of worship, but also a place where villagers gathered to interact. It was a mysterious space where the "other world" and the "this world" intersected, and the statues of the Ten Kings were symbols of facing the inevitable death. Inside the hall, there are statues of "undressing old women" who strip the dead, and they are characterized by their expressions that give a sense of humor and relief amid the fear.
This statue also retains a cheerful and gentle expression amid the sternness, and it is clear that it was a presence that eased the anxiety and fear that people at that time had in the face of death. The statues of the Ten Kings, which remain in large numbers in settlements in Tohoku and Niigata, are Buddhist statues that were associated with the earnest prayers of such villagers, and can be said to have played a central role in folk beliefs.
Currently, many Buddhist statues are housed in museums, and beautiful and majestic statues such as Shaka Nyorai, Kannon Bodhisattva, and Jizo Bodhisattva are attracting attention, but the existence of these simple Buddhist statues that are closely related to everyday life is not yet fully known. However, these Buddhist statues are proof of the faith that is deeply rooted in the lives of the people, and they have the power to speak to the heart even in modern times.
In addition, since the bottom of this work was damaged, probably due to corrosion or insect damage, part of the statue was cut out and placed on a new pedestal and reconstructed. As a result, there are slight differences in the wood quality of the pedestal and the main body, but the overall unity and stability are maintained, and it has an appearance that quietly blends in with modern spaces.
These Ten Kings statues, standing quietly, go beyond being mere ornaments and bring spirituality and a story to the space. By placing them in spaces where light and shadow intersect, such as the entrance, the tokonoma alcove, or a corner of a study, you will be able to feel the presence of prayer that transcends time.
Size: Width 26cm x Depth 11.5cm x Height 38cm
Weight: 1.35kg
Product code: SC128
[We are a specialized team dealing in antiques and vintage items, comprised of stores based on three distinct brands. While focusing on Japanese items, we also offer a carefully curated selection of attractive goods from around the world—each evoking the culture and history of its country of origin.
Unlike the traditional Japanese antique furniture and art that have been appreciated overseas until now, we shine a light on the tools and furniture that were used for many years in ordinary Japanese homes and farmhouses. These objects have gained a unique charm over time, their beauty deepened by the history accumulated through daily life. In today’s world, however, many of these precious items are discarded during home demolitions. We are committed to reassessing their value and passing them on to future generations.
Drawing from our extensive experience—having seen tens of thousands of items through direct purchases, markets, and auction houses—we carefully select and present only the most captivating pieces. This is something made possible only through the years of knowledge and expertise we have cultivated.
Rather than focusing on the widely known facets of Japanese art and culture, we highlight the subtle beauty born from the everyday life of common people. It is this rediscovered beauty, steeped in history, that we strive to share with the world.]
- Dimensions:Height: 14.97 in (38 cm)Width: 10.24 in (26 cm)Depth: 4.53 in (11.5 cm)
- Style:Edo (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:18-19th century
- Condition:Repaired: Probably due to corrosion and insect damage, the bottom of the body was in poor condition, so part of the body was cut off and placed on a different base.
- Seller Location:Sammu-shi, JP
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU5487246008652
About the Seller
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