KṢITIGARBHA BODHISATTVA / STANDING FIGURE, Single-block carved, With wooden box, Edo Period (1603–1867 CE)

A standing Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva carved from a single block of wood, Edo period.

A small Jizō Bodhisattva figure carved from a single block of wood. The carver left generous material while working the head, robes, and the pedestal-like section at the feet. Facial features are largely abbreviated: the eyes, nose, and mouth are indicated by deep cuts, and the robe lines are incised succinctly with chisel marks left visible. Without over-refining the details, the form is raised from the wood and the motion of the blade, conveying the quiet, uncontrived vigor characteristic of folk Buddhist sculpture.

Vertical tool marks remain on the back, and traces resembling ink inscriptions are visible. The carving extends around from the shoulders to the back, so that the figure’s sense of volume is apparent not only from the front but also in profile and from behind.

Modest in scale, it nonetheless presents a quiet presence when viewed frontally. The weathered wood—bearing signs of decay and insect activity—the remaining chisel marks, and the spare treatment of the drapery combine to evoke a wooden Buddhist statue long kept in human care. A wooden storage box is included.

Overall insect damage, chipping, cracking, abrasion, and soiling are present. The lower section shows pronounced decay. In view of its condition, it should be regarded as an old folk Buddhist image.