Antique Tibetan Gilt Jizai Kannon (Avalokiteshvara / Chenrezig), Himalayan Gilt Metal Bodhisattva Sculpture

Tibetan Gilt Jizai Kannon (Avalokiteshvara)

This sculpture represents a Tibetan gilt depiction of Jizai Kannon, the Bodhisattva of Compassion known across the Himalayan Buddhist world as the embodiment of infinite mercy and responsive aid. Cast in metal and richly gilt, the figure conveys spiritual authority through refinement rather than scale, its presence defined by balance, luminosity, and composure.

The face is serene and inwardly focused. Gently lowered eyes and softened features communicate attentive compassion rather than emotional display. Unlike the heavier naturalism of Gandhara stone, Himalayan metal figures emphasize clarity and radiance: the surface itself participates in the spiritual message, reflecting light as a metaphor for awakened awareness.

The body is proportioned with ritual precision. Ornaments, crowns, and flowing scarves are rendered with controlled detail, never overwhelming the underlying stillness of the posture. Gilding is applied to enhance sacred hierarchy, drawing the eye to the face, chest, and symbolic elements associated with compassion and vow.

Jizai Kannon figures from the Tibetan cultural sphere are often intended for personal devotion or temple altar placement rather than monumental display. In this context, scale supports intimacy: the figure invites proximity, contemplation, and sustained engagement. Even when removed from its original ritual setting, the sculpture retains its devotional gravity.

Originating in the Himalayan region traditionally associated with Tibetan Buddhism, this work represents a lineage distinct from Japanese or Chinese Kannon traditions. Collected and preserved in Japan, it expands a Buddhist collection beyond national styles and into the trans-Himalayan devotional world that shaped much of esoteric Buddhist practice.

Condition is consistent with antique gilt metal sculpture. Surface wear, softened gilding, and patina reflect age and devotional handling rather than damage. No modern restoration is assumed without in-hand examination. The work should be understood as an authentic ritual object whose material aging forms part of its historical integrity.

Key Facts

• Object type: Gilt metal Buddhist sculpture (Jizai Kannon / Avalokiteshvara)
• Material: Copper alloy with gilt surface
• Dimensions: Height approx. 35 cm
• Period: Tibetan / Himalayan tradition (antique; 100+ years)
• Customs: HS Code: 9706.00 | Country of Origin: Tibet (Himalayan region)

Collector Relevance

A refined devotional sculpture suitable for serious collectors of Himalayan Buddhist art, personal altar placement, or curated interior displays emphasizing spiritual presence over monumentality.

Collector’s Resonance

For collectors drawn to compassion as a central Buddhist virtue. This piece rewards quiet contemplation and sustained proximity.

Who Is This Deity?

• Jizai Kannon (Avalokiteshvara / Chenrezig): The Bodhisattva of Compassion, venerated across Tibet and the Himalayan Buddhist world.
• Himalayan Buddhist tradition: A trans-regional culture emphasizing ritual precision and gilt metal sculpture.

Confidence & Verification Notes

Exact dating, workshop attribution, and alloy composition should be treated as probable without in-hand examination or metallurgical testing.

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: Gilt metal devotional objects benefit from stable placement and careful handling. Surface patina and softened gilding are consistent with age.