Japanese Meiji Bronze Statue of Kannon; Japanese Meiji Bronze Statue of Kannon, Late 19th Century. This is an elegant example of Japanese Buddhist bronze sculpture depicting the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara (Kannon Bosatu), holding her right hand in the abhya mudra to calm fear. The bodhisattva are important figures in northern Buddhism, who opt out of enlightenment until all sentient beings are saved from the cycles of birth and death. Thus, as merciful deities they can vicariously bestow merit to those who petition them. Kannon (Japanese) or Kuan yin (Chinese) is the most popular bodhisattva in East Asia. Excellent condition with a black smoky temple patina, missing one implement from the right hand. H. 8 1/2" (21.6 cm)..