Country Group:

Item id: 9228

Japanese Bronze Baby Buddha, Late 15th Century (Azuchi–Momoyama Period) This beautifully cast Baby Buddha represents the moment immediately following the Buddha’s birth, with one hand pointing toward Heaven and the other toward Earth—inviting the cosmos to witness his first steps. The pose is iconic, deeply symbolic, and rendered here with exceptional grace.



Two decades ago, I handled an almost identical Japanese Baby Buddha (catalog #2525 on my website). This example displays an even finer patina and may be more crisply cast, yet it is strikingly similar in every meaningful detail. Both clearly originate from the same workshop, very likely by the same artisan. The earlier example bore an inscription dating it to late 15th-century Japan, circa 1492–1496 (late Azuchi–Momoyama period). Although this piece is uninscribed, its workmanship, style, and proportions leave no doubt that it was created within the same narrow time frame—almost certainly within 10 to 20 years of the inscribed piece.



Standing 15.25 inches high on its integral lotus base (5" W x 5" D), the sculpture is substantial and exquisitely balanced. Every detail—each fingernail, toenail, and lotus petal—was meticulously cast and finished. The face retains a luminous presence, with a gentle sparkle that enhances its serene expression. Offered now at a significantly reduced price, this is an extremely refined and historically significant example of late-medieval Japanese bronze casting.