*SHIPPING OPTIONS VARY DEPENDING ON THE DESTINATION, PLEASE SCROLL TO THE END OF THIS LISTING FOR MORE DETAILS.

This listing is for a Takaoka copperware Jizo Bosatsu made around 30-40 years ago by Zenyu.  It is made of zinc alloy and depicts Jizo as an itinerant monk in robes.  In his hands he usually carries a staff to announce his coming, and a hoju wish-fulfilling jewel to light up the darkness.  He is mounted on a lotus pedestal, and just behind his head sits a halo adorned with hoju jewels.  The signature of the craftsperson can be found on the bottom.

Jizo Bosatsu is the Japanese translation of the Sanskrit name ‘Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha’. According to Buddhist literature Jizo is a Bosatsu, a Bosatsu being a person who achieves enlightenment but postpones Buddhahood until those that are suffering can be saved.  He attends Buddha as he delivers devotees to Buddha’s Western Paradise, where they are freed of the six states of desire and karmic rebirth.  Jizo answers the prayers of all living beings, and works to shorten the sentence of those serving time in hell.  His compassion is said to illuminate the righteous path, thus saving all those who call out to him.  He is also the protector of children and those who died before their parents.  It is said that children who face judgement in the afterlife become rocks on the riverbed of souls, Jizo helps these such children to cross the river in the sleeves of his robes.

Takaoka city is the leading producer of copperware in all of Japan, its origins going back some 400 years to feudal times. They produce items for religious purposes, the tea ceremony, as well as pots and pans for daily use. Manufacturing involves several stages beginning with the making of moulds in either wax or resin. This is followed by casting via the lost-wax process, and then finishing and colouring. During the colouring process other metals may be added and lacquer is sometimes added to the base. All these processes combined create Japan’s finest copperware, all done by highly skilled master craftsmen.

Size

H.14cm (5.5”) x 3.4cm (1.3”) across x 4.4cm (1.7”) diameter base

Condition

It’s in very good condition aside from discolouration, his halo is loose (just needs to be tightened), some wear on the enamel ie small spots of chipped enamel, light scratches, a black spot on his pedestal, and the staff he carries is missing.

THESE ARE SHIPPING ESTIMATES BASED ON THE CURRENT GLOBAL SITUATION           

**Germany, France, Greece, Spain, Poland, Austria, Slovakia, Lithuania, Slovenia:  NO SHIPPING.  Very strict and expensive packaging laws in place and we are not licensed to send products to these countries.  We have no plan to register at this time because the process is in some cases very expensive and complicated, plus each country has its own set of regulations and application process. 

**USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Norway: Airmail Small Packet (approx. 15-28 days).  Combined shipping available up to 2kgs for Airmail Small Packet (please send us a message).

**Asia:  Airmail Small Packet (approx. 15-21 days).  Combined shipping available up to 2kgs for Airmail Small Packet (please send us a message).

**Central Asia, Middle East, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico:  EMS Express 10-15 days.

**Russia:  No shipping methods available.