Lot 63. A Wood Sculpture of Jizo Bosatsu, Kamakura Period, 14th century; 118cm. high (including stand). Estimate GBP 30,000 - GBP 40,000. Price realised GBP 229,250. © Christie's Images Ltd 2011

Carved and assembled from cyprus wood, of hollow construction (Yosegi-zukuri), holding the hoju [treasure jewel] and shakujo [staff], applied with coloured pigments, on wood stand carved as a lotus flower.

Note: Jizo Bosatsu (the Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha) a merciful figure who alone among Buddhist deities moves through the six worlds of illusion in his role of saving all sentient beings. As in this example he is usually depicted as a monk with the hoju [treasure jewel] and shakujo, a staff with a finial of rings which jingle to warn small creatures of his approaching footfalls.

Christie's. Japanese Art & Design Including Arts of The Samurai, London, South Kensington, 9 November 2011