By Ichioka Shiun (b. 1879), signed Shiun sakuJapan, Meiji period (1868-1912)The bodhisattva seated cross-legged on a furled lotus leaf atop a richly bejeweled recumbent elephant, reading an open makimono held in both hands, wearing loose-fitting robes and adorned with beaded jewelry. The face with a calm expression marked by heavy-lidded eyes and full lips, the hair falling elegantly over the shoulders.Signed SHIUN to the backside in fine incision work. Ichioka Shiun, born in Tokyo 1879, was a pupil of Oshima Joun (1858-1940).HEIGHT 25 cm, LENGTH 27 cmWEIGHT 9.2 kgCondition: Very good condition with only minor surface wear, minimal casting flaws, and few minuscule nicks.Provenance: From a French private collection.Fugen Bosatsu (Samantabhadra) is the bodhisattva associated with the practice of Buddhist teaching and joins Manjushri, the lord of transcendent wisdom, in a trinity with Shakyamuni Buddha. The deity is known as ‘He whose bounty is omnipresent’ and represents the Buddhist Law and compassion. The bodhisattva is borne by a white elephant, symbolic of the strength achieved through the practice of Buddhism.