18TH C. JAPANESE JIZO STONE

Jizo is a much beloved Boddhisatva in Japan, Korea, and China, who is a protector of children, women, and travelers.  For that reason you often see them placed near the road (also in gardens, and around the house).  He is also known to help those who are struggling with a life problem or physical affliction.He is usually portrayed as a monk, in simple garb, and often holding a staff of six rings, and/or the jewel of the Dharma.  As you would expect, these are stones, and quite heavy.  Please take this into account in terms of shipping.

I believe this stone is sandstone.  20" (49.5 cm) in height, weight  about 30 kg, dated to Kansei 11 (1799), a late-Edo piece, with lovely weathering, good lichen and in virtually pristine condition.  $1100.