Jizo Engraved Stone, Japanese Antique Buddhist Statue

Stoned Jizō (地蔵) are Buddhist statues that are often found in all parts of Japan. These statues are very popular and receive much appreciation because they are based on Jizō Bosatsu, the deity for children and travelers. Within Buddhism, Jizō Bosatsu is described as a Bodhisattva, which is a deity who constantly yearns for the well-being of all and everyone around them and is on the path to enlightenment.

Compared to other Bodhisattvas who are more often depicted with crowns and extravagant jewelry, Jizō Bosatsu is known for its more subdued appearance of a traveling monk. He is often depicted on a lotus platform and with a jewel in his left hand. In the images, he can be seen standing or sitting with his legs crossed.

This specific stone has the special shape of an Inusotoba (犬卒塔婆), a Y-shaped memorial plaque that is usually placed at gravesites to pray for the soul rest of a dog or for a safe delivery during pregnancy. It is a form of folk belief that is found in certain regions of Japan.