Monumental Japanese Sho-Kannon Bodhisattva | Edo Period (17th Century) | Masterpiece Temple Bronze

The Authority of Silence: A Monumental Edo Period Masterpiece

"In the world of Japanese Buddhist art, true mastership is hidden in the physics of the object. This Sho-Kannon is a technical miracle that transcends decoration."

This monumental temple statue of the Bodhisattva Sho-Kannon (Avalokiteshvara) represents a rare survival of the Japanese bronze tradition on her absolute artistic highlight. With an impressive height of 113 cm, this object transcends collector's status; it is an architectural statement of spiritual power and technical ingenuity from the early Edo period (ca. 17th century).

Forensic Investigation & Technical Analysis

• The 23kg Paradox: Despite its monumental size, this statue weighs only 23 kg. This indicates an extremely thin-walled casting (Karakane alloy) with a wall thickness of only a few millimeters. This technique required a mastery of the casting process that was virtually lost after the 18th century. This low weight is the ultimate indicator of an early, high-quality foundry that worked exclusively for the Japanese religious elite.
• Petrified Patina (Mineralization): The facial features and deeper folds are marked by authentic mineral calcite encrustation. Over the centuries, this white 'skin' has become deeply intertwined with the bronze and the remaining fire gilding. This type of mineralization is irrefutable evidence of centuries of presence in a temple environment and has been microscopically verified.
• Male Iconography: In the tradition of the early Edo period, this Sho-Kannon retains powerful, masculine facial features and a princely severity. It stands on a double lotus base and a hexagonal plinth—a classic Japanese 'Butsuzo' construction.

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