This is an impressive Japanese figurine of Bodhisattva Yi Zo Bokatsu (Ksitigarba in Sanskrit) that dates from the Kamakoura or the Mouromachi period (1185-1573 A.D.). In Buddhism, Bodhisattva is the person who remains on earth to save the people from misery even though he has reached “enlightment”. During the Kamakoura period (1185-1333 A.D.) it was widely believed that Yi zo even went down to Hell in order to help people conquer the “Paradise of a Pure Land”. The particular figurine presents Yi Zo as the protector of travelers. He is portrayed bald, in a long monk's cloak with delicate designs in black color resembling silk brocade, and a swastika (Buddhist symbol) on his chest. The figurine survives intact apart from the halo, the scepter and the sacred pearl that was supported on a small base that the man held in his extended hand. This lovely sculpture was part of the large collection of Japanese art of Gregorios Manos.