Figure Item Number: N2.1012 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Carving of soft, granular medium grey stone, shaped like half marquise in longitudinal cross section. Back and underside roughly finished; front side smooth, with ledge at bottom, curved forward at top. Standing on ledge is human figure in long robes with flowing sleeves, hands folded over abdomen, holding a peach or closed lotus flower. On left of figure is a vertical inscription of nine Chinese characters; on right are five characters. Some lichen and dirt on carving.
History Of Use
This stone would have been placed in a temple yard at the time when the ashes of the deceased were placed in the temple. Offerings would have been made to it. The inscription on the left gives the date of death (a few days after new year 1626); that on the right gives a Buddhist name followed by the characters 'believe', 'earth'. These characters are used only for women after death. Could also possibly be placed at a roadside or crossroads.
Iconographic Meaning
Peach: symbol of immortality; lotus: important Buddhist symbol representing the essence of enlightenment inherent in everyone's soul.
Cultural Context
memorial
Item History
- Made in Japan
- Owned by Union College before July 1960
- Received from Union College (Donor) during July 1960
What
- Name
- Figure
- Identification Number
- N2.1012
- Type of Item
- figure
- Material
- limestone stone ?
- Manufacturing Technique
- carved and smoothed
- Overall
- height 44.5 cm, width 24.5 cm, depth 14.5 cm
Who
- Culture
- Japanese
- Previous Owner
- Union College
- Received from
- Union College (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Japan
When
- Ownership Date
- before July 1960
- Acquisition Date
- during July 1960
Other
- Item Classes
- carvings & sculpture
- Condition
- good
- Current Location
- Case 80
- Accession Number
- 0025/0029