Vintage Japanese Bronze Kannon Bosatsu on Shishi Figurine, Early Showa (1927-1945) | SKU: 26M-880-1

Vintage Japanese Bronze Kannon Bosatsu on Shishi Figurine, Early Showa (1927-1945) | SKU: 26M-880-1

A finely cast bronze Kannon Bosatsu seated upon a shishi guardian lion, with gilded floral robes and a serene gesture of compassion.

A Kannon zo (statue of Kannon Bosatsu) is a traditional Japanese devotional sculpture depicting the bodhisattva of mercy and compassion, known in Sanskrit as Avalokiteshvara. This exceptional vintage Japanese bronze figurine presents Kannon enthroned atop a recumbent shishi -- a mythical guardian lion -- in a composition that symbolizes divine authority and protective power. The figure is rendered with remarkable detail: a jeweled crown bearing a seated Buddha image, softly downcast eyes, flowing layered robes, and one hand raised in the abhaya mudra gesture of reassurance. Casting quality is consistent with skilled Japanese bronze foundry work of the Early Showa period, reflecting a long tradition of Buddhist metalcraft that flourished from the Nara period onward. The shishi base is equally impressive, with tightly coiled mane fur, expressive facial features, and scrolling cloud formations along its haunches -- all hallmarks of handcrafted Japanese religious sculpture.

Beyond its spiritual origins, this vintage Japanese bronze statue makes a striking decorative accent for a modern home. Displayed on a shelf, console table, or low sideboard, it brings an immediate sense of wabi-sabi aesthetic depth and cultural gravitas to any living room decor or home office. The rich dark patina -- punctuated by areas of verdigris and flashes of gilded chrysanthemum and arabesque patterns across the robes -- gives the piece a visual warmth that pairs beautifully with Japandi style interiors, natural wood furniture, and neutral linen tones. It also serves beautifully as a meditation room focal point or as part of a curated display alongside ceramics and lacquerware. A truly unique gift for collectors of Japanese vintage art, Japanophiles, or anyone drawn to Buddhist iconography and East Asian decorative arts.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1927-1945 (Early Showa)
• Material: Bronze with gilded surface decoration; dark brown patina with areas of verdigris
• Use: Buddhist devotional altar figurine; temple or household shrine decoration
• Modern Use: Living room accent sculpture; meditation space focal point; curated shelf display alongside ceramics or lacquerware
• Features: Kannon Bosatsu seated atop a recumbent shishi guardian lion; jeweled crown with miniature Buddha figure; abhaya mudra hand gesture; flowing multilayered robes with gilded chrysanthemum and arabesque patterning; finely rendered facial features with serene expression; intricately cast shishi with coiled mane and scrolling cloud motifs; fully finished in the round with detail visible from all angles
• Dimensions: 8"W x 4"D x 10"H
• Condition: Excellent -- natural patina consistent with age; gilded decoration largely intact with expected wear; minor verdigris on recessed surfaces

A museum-quality piece of vintage Japanese Buddhist art that brings the quiet authority of traditional bronze casting into any modern interior.

We use professional studio lighting to highlight the natural character of the wood. As a result, the tone may appear slightly warmer than under natural daylight.

All vintage items are sold as-is. Each piece may exhibit signs of age, including scratches, wear, or minor imperfections. These are not considered defects but natural evidence of the item’s authenticity and age.