Vintage Japanese Bronze Kannon Bosatsu Seated on Elephant Figurine, Early Showa (1927-1945) | SKU: 26M-880-2

Vintage Japanese Bronze Kannon Bosatsu Seated on Elephant Figurine, Early Showa (1927-1945) | SKU: 26M-880-2

A serene bronze Kannon Bosatsu seated on an elephant -- richly engraved with gold floral scrollwork and finished with a deep patina of age.

A Kannon (known in Sanskrit as Avalokiteshvara) is the Buddhist bodhisattva of compassion, one of the most venerated figures in Japanese religious art. This handcrafted Japanese bronze statue depicts Kannon enthroned upon a reclining elephant -- a classical iconographic composition symbolizing wisdom, auspiciousness, and boundless mercy. The figure wears flowing celestial robes and an elaborate crown bearing a small seated Buddha, a hallmark attribute identifying Kannon in East Asian Buddhist tradition. One hand is raised in the abhaya mudra, the gesture of reassurance and protection, while the other rests gracefully at the side. The quality of casting is refined, with crisp detailing in the face, jewelry, and layered drapery folds -- consistent with the skilled bronze foundry work produced in Japan during the Early Showa period. Patches of natural verdigris patina at the robes and crown add to the piece's authentic aged character.

Beyond its devotional origins, this vintage Japanese bronze sculpture is a compelling living room accent or meditation space centerpiece. Its compact scale makes it ideal as a shelf display, a zen-inspired home office accent, or a focal point on a tokonoma-style alcove arrangement in a Japandi or wabi-sabi aesthetic interior. The combination of dark bronze and gilded floral engraving -- visible on the robes, back panel, and elephant saddle cloth -- gives it a visual richness that pairs beautifully with natural materials such as wood, linen, and stone. It also makes a meaningful and unique gift for collectors of Japanese vintage sculpture, Japanophiles, or anyone drawn to spiritual or meditative art.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1927-1945 (Early Showa)
• Material: Cast bronze with gold-engraved floral decoration and natural verdigris patina
• Use: Buddhist altar figure (butsugu); devotional and ceremonial display
• Modern Use: Meditation room or zen corner focal point; living room or shelf accent in Japandi or wabi-sabi decor; unique gift for collectors of Japanese vintage sculpture
• Features: Kannon Bosatsu seated on a reclining elephant; abhaya mudra hand gesture; crowned with small seated Buddha finial; flowing robes with finely engraved gold floral scrollwork covering front, sides, and back; detailed elephant head and saddle cloth; decorative molded base with scroll-border relief; natural verdigris patina at select areas
• Dimensions: 8"W x 4"D x 10"H
• Condition: Excellent -- natural age patina and verdigris consistent with era; no chips or losses to casting

A deeply expressive piece of vintage Japanese Buddhist art that brings quiet spirituality and sculptural beauty to any modern home.

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.