Horse‑Headed Kannon (Batō Kannon) — Master Kumazawa Kizan — Natural Coral Carving with Signed Tomobako — Showa Era Japan

Overview

This Batō Kannon figure is carved from natural coral by the respected Japanese master Kumazawa Kizan. The sculpture represents a rare convergence of esoteric Buddhist iconography and refined mineral artistry, preserved with its original signed storage box.

Who Is Batō Kannon?

Batō Kannon is a wrathful manifestation of Kannon Bosatsu, traditionally invoked for protection against danger, disease, and spiritual obstacles. Unlike gentler Kannon forms, Batō Kannon embodies disciplined force—compassion expressed through decisive action.

Material & Craft

• Natural coral, hand‑carved
• Subtle translucency with warm mineral tonality
• Precise facial modeling and balanced stance
• Signed tomobako confirming artist attribution

Period & Origin

Japan, Showa era. Attribution to Kumazawa Kizan based on box inscription and stylistic consistency with documented works.

Dimensions & Weight

• Figure height: approx. 10 cm
• Display case: approx. 27.5 × 22.5 × 30.3 cm

Condition

Excellent preservation. No visible cracks or restorations. Natural material characteristics consistent with coral are present and expected.

Collector’s Resonance

This piece will resonate with collectors of esoteric Buddhist art, Japanese mineral sculpture, and refined devotional works where material rarity meets spiritual symbolism.

Confidence & Verification Notes

Attribution is supported by the signed tomobako and close stylistic alignment with authenticated works by Kumazawa Kizan. As with all historic artworks, absolute certainty beyond physical and contextual evidence cannot be asserted.

Shipping & Logistics

Carefully packed with mineral‑safe padding. Global courier or insured international shipping available. 

Curated Context

Coral Buddhist sculpture occupies a narrow historical window in Japan, where material scarcity and devotional restraint intersect. Works such as this are increasingly recognized as museum‑level artifacts rather than decorative objects.

Explore the Collection

To browse related sacred works and Buddhist articles curated under the same standards, explore our Buddhist Statues & Sacred Art collection.

Authenticity & Stewardship

Evaluated under the Japonista Authentication Framework™:

• Material, carving, and surface-study comparison
• Iconographic and stylistic verification
• Condition and stability review (surface integrity)
• Construction assessment and handling-risk evaluation

Guaranteed 100% Authentic. Covered by the Japonista Lifetime Authenticity Warranty™.

A Note on Stewardship and Collecting

At Japonista, we approach Buddhist statues, sacred images, and ritual objects not merely as collectibles, but as cultural and spiritual artifacts deserving of respect, understanding, and careful presentation. Every piece we offer is thoughtfully examined, researched, and curated with sensitivity to its origin, meaning, and historical role.

Our role is not only to offer access to rare and meaningful objects, but to serve as responsible custodians—connecting the right works with collectors who value depth, intention, and authenticity.

Inquiries, Availability, and Private Consideration

Some sacred works may allow room for discussion, while others are held firmly due to rarity, condition, or cultural importance. All inquiries are reviewed personally and discreetly, and we welcome thoughtful questions or expressions of interest.

If you are exploring a particular theme, deity, lineage, or period—or seeking guidance in building a focused collection—our concierge team is always available to assist with quiet expertise and care.

Concierge Support & Collector Guidance

Japonista Concierge™ provides personalized assistance for collectors seeking deeper understanding, thoughtful acquisition, or long-term curation strategies. Whether your interest is devotional, scholarly, or aesthetic, we are here to help guide your journey with clarity and respect.

For select high-value or historically significant works, private reservation or structured payment arrangements may be available on a case-by-case basis. Please reach out to discuss eligibility and discreet options.

Before Proceeding

We kindly encourage collectors to review our shop policies and house guidelines, available through the links in our website footer, which outline shipping, handling, and conditions specific to vintage, sacred, and collectible works.

A Closing Note

Thank you for exploring Japonista’s collection of Buddhist statues, sacred art, and spiritual artifacts. We are honored to share these meaningful works and to help place them where they may continue to be appreciated, studied, and respected.

If you have questions or wish to explore related works, please feel free to contact Japonista Concierge™ at any time.