Japanese Buddhist Incense Holder - Jizo Bodhisattva - eBay (item 120305674301 end time Jan-07-10 16:59:05 PST)

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Japanese Buddhist Incense Holder - Jizo Bodhisattva

Description

If you take a stroll along nearly any road in Japan you are likely to spot small stone statues set along the roadside, especially at highway intersections and at the boundaries of small towns and villages. These statues frequently represent the Buddhist divinity Jizo who is the patron god of travelers and pilgrims as well as expectant mothers, children, and even firemen. Jizo is a bodhisattva or one who has achieved enlightenment yet has remained behind to help others along the spiritual path. Jizo has a particular interest in children who may be trapped in hell, and the divinity is thought to often intervene on the their behalf and even hide little ones in the sleeves of his robe when roving demons are on the prowl. Jizo has long been a very popular figure in Japanese Buddhism where he is described as "a friend to all" and "never frightening, even to children". Though of Indian origin and originally female, Jizo did first appear in Japan during the Nara period (710-94) where her popularity quickly grew and she was soon regarded as the deity of the common people. For various reasons Jizo did eventually transform into a male figure in Japan. However, the divinity's feminine roots are still evident in the translation of his name which can mean either "womb of the earth" or "earth treasure". In fact, Jizo is still sometimes found in Japan in female form especially as the Koyasu (child-giving) Jizo. Roadside images of Jizo are often found alone or in groupings of six. The number six being representative of the six realms of reincarnation which encompass all beings trapped within the wheel of life. We can imagine then that to travelers of old Japan the sight of a roadside Jizo must have been a comforting reminder of the deity's promise to look after and protect any and all on the road to enlightenment.

About the listed item

This brand new and hand-crafted ceramic tableau depicts two reverent Japanese Jizo figures engaged in solemn prayer. The larger of the two figures is, in fact, a cleverly designed incense holder with a hole in the back in which sticks of incense may be placed. The Jizo figures are positioned (they may be moved) together upon a flat ceramic base with a grainy, earthy appearance. Altogether a very unique and clever contemporary vision of a classic and very spiritual aspect of Japanese culture.

Size:
Height of large Jizo figure: 1.8 inches (4.5 centimeters)
Height of small Jizo figure: 0.8 inches (2.0 centimeters)
Width of ceramic base: 3.9 inches (10 centimeters)
Weight: 4.7 ounces (134 grams)

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More photos below!

item code: INV-0000076_03 REL-0000253
ship code: L1650

Payment

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Shipping & Handling

Please see the Store Policies section for additional information.

US Shipping

$14.88 Airmail to USA
$18.24 EMS Express to USA

International Shipping

$16.74 Airmail to rest of world
$21.12 EMS Express to rest of world

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Store Policies

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Please see our Shipping page for full details regarding shipping rates, available shipping methods and combined shipping discounts. All shipments are via Japan Post standard airmail or Express Mail Service (EMS) airmail. EMS airmail includes a tracking number and is typically faster than standard airmail. Please note that we do not use less secure shipping methods such as surface or SAL delivery due to the higher incidence of loss, damage and significant delay which we have previously encountered using these methods. Your understanding and consideration prior to bidding is greatly appreciated. We ship anywhere and happily combine orders to help you save money. We carefully weigh and measure each item prior to listing in order to determine that item's actual shipping cost. This allows us to then include a shipping quote within each listing which is sufficient to cover postage and handling costs to any address worldwide. Purchases are carefully packed and shipped within 72 hours of receipt of payment though holidays and weekends may cause additional delay. Standard airmail delivery to addresses in North America and Europe average one to three weeks with more or less time sometimes required for other areas of the world. International buyers should be aware of the laws of their own country and be prepared to deal with any and all customs-related fees and charges. Taxes, duties, VAT and any other levies accessed are the responsibility of the buyer. We self insure the full purchase value of each order.

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