Chinese Buddhist Zizai Guanyin (Jizai Kannon / Avalokiteshvara) Buddha Statue, Monumental Camphor Wood Sculpture, Song Dynasty Style Temple Image (Antique, 100+ Years)

Monumental Zizai Guanyin (Avalokiteshvara)

This monumental wooden sculpture represents Avalokiteshvara in the Zizai (自在观音) form, carved in camphor wood and conceived at a scale reserved for major temple spaces. The figure is presented in a relaxed royal-ease posture, one leg drawn up, the torso subtly inclined, conveying sovereign calm rather than rigid transcendence.

The face is composed with mature restraint. Gently lowered eyes, balanced features, and a composed mouth communicate attentiveness and readiness to respond. This expression aligns closely with Song dynasty devotional aesthetics, where spiritual authority is expressed through composure and inner equilibrium rather than dramatic gesture.

The body is carved with an understanding of weight and volume appropriate to monumental sculpture. Drapery flows in broad, confident planes rather than ornamental excess, allowing the camphor wood to assert its material presence. The crown and bodhisattva ornaments identify the figure clearly, yet remain subordinate to the overall bodily authority of the form.

Zizai Guanyin imagery originates in Chinese Buddhist art, particularly during the Tang–Song transition and mature Song dynasty period. This form later entered Japan, where it became known as Jizai Kannon. Sculptures of this scale were typically enshrined in temple halls rather than private devotion, emphasizing public teaching presence and compassionate guardianship.

The seller describes this work as formerly held in a decommissioned temple, later released through a temple dispersal. While such provenance claims are common in the Japanese art market, they remain unverified without documentation. Regardless, the scale, posture, and carving logic firmly place this work within the Chinese Avalokiteshvara tradition, later preserved in Japan.

Condition is consistent with an antique monumental wooden sculpture. Surface wear, patina, and age-related separations reflect time and historical handling. No modern restoration is assumed without in-hand examination. The work should be understood as an authentic devotional image valued for scale, posture, and material integrity rather than surface perfection.

Key Facts

• Object type: Monumental wooden Buddhist sculpture
• Material: Camphor wood
• Dimensions: 122 × 92 × 73 cm
• Period: Song dynasty style (antique; 100+ years)
• Customs: HS Code 9706.00 | Country of Origin: China

Cargo Shipping & Handling Notice

Due to the final packaged weight and/or dimensional requirements of this piece, standard parcel services such as Japan Post EMS, DHL, FedEx, or UPS are not applicable. This item will be shipped via cargo or freight-based shipping methods.

Cargo shipments require additional preparation time to ensure proper handling, which may include custom crating, reinforced packing, coordination with domestic logistics providers, and scheduling with international freight consolidators and export brokers. As a result, estimated delivery timelines typically range from 6 to 10 weeks, depending on routing, carrier availability, and customs clearance procedures in the destination country.

Please note that actual shipping costs may differ from automated shipping calculator estimates. By default, a portion of the expected shipping cost may be reflected in the listing price. Any difference or discrepancy will be quoted separately once destination, delivery method, and handling requirements are confirmed.

We kindly ask that collectors contact us prior to purchase to request an exact, customized shipping quotation for their destination. This ensures full transparency and allows us to arrange the most appropriate, secure, and efficient shipping solution for this piece.

Thank you for your understanding and patience as we take the necessary care to deliver this work safely.

Shipping & Logistics (CARGO ONLY)

• EMS / Parcel: Not possible (size & weight exceed limits)
• Estimated object weight: ~130 kg
• Crated shipping weight: ~240 kg
• Packed dimensions: ~150 × 120 × 110 cm

Sea Freight (Recommended): ¥480,000–¥660,000 JPY, 6–10 weeks transit.

Air Freight: ¥680,000–¥980,000 JPY, 7–14 days.

Confidence & Verification Notes

Dynastic attribution, workshop origin, and temple provenance are based on stylistic analysis and seller description and should be treated as probable. This work is best cataloged as a monumental Zizai Guanyin in Song dynasty style, later preserved in Japan.

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.

Collector support: If you’re building a cross-Asia Buddhism timeline, we can recommend complementary pieces and reading paths inside the library pages above.

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.

Curatorial note: Fragmentary works are valued for authenticity and study. Minor surface variation and edge softness are consistent with age and material.

Curatorial note: Monumental wooden sculptures require professional handling, climate control, and crated transport. Minor separations and surface wear are consistent with age.