A GILT WOOD SCULPTURE OF BATO KANNON
Japan, Kyoto, Edo period, 17th century

The deity sitting with the legs in the dhyanasana position on a lotus flower, this one in turn placed on a hexagonal section base in several levels, the lower one with a lively carving of clouds, the figure with eight arms, the main ones joined at height of the chest, the others holding attributes of the doctrine, and three heads, the one on the front surmounted by a horse's head amidst the flaming hair, the three faces with a proud expression accentuated by the presence of the third eye in the center of the forehead, on the back a halo with a frieze of clouds in relief.

66 cm high

Provenance: Italian private collection.

Bato Kannon is one of the numerous manifestations of the bodhisattva Kannon, revered in Japan as the protector of animals, and in particular of horses. Sculptures depicting him were placed along the roadsides, as protection for travelers and their horses.