STONE CAT MONK

STONE CAT MONK (Dealer: hotoke) – Japanese Buddhist stone carving seated image of ‘Neko Daishi’ (lit. ‘Cat High monk’ – as Kobo Daishi (ref. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K%C5%ABkai) with a cat head instead), Edo period, 19th century or later. Actually it’s already a rare stone sculpture as Neko Daishi which is also the origin of auspicious ‘Maneki Neko’ (Beckoning cat), but moreover such a cross carving at the neck is very rare highlight as it would possibly suggests the relation with ‘Kakure Kirishitan’ (lit. ‘Hidden Christian’ / ref. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kakure_Kirishitan)? In very fine aged condition as is as seen. approx. H 34 x W 26 x D 16cm (13.38 x 10.23 x 6.29in), about 15kg as itself.

More items from hotoke