Hello Sheila,

Thank you for choosing Mearto for your online appraisal.

This item is a wooden statue, characterized by a primitive and robust form, which may represent a deity, ancestor, or protective spirit, common in various traditional and folk art traditions. The features and posture of the statue suggest it could be from an East Asian culture, and there are some indications that it may indeed be Japanese.

The accompanying inscriptions, which appear to be written in Kanji, reinforce the possibility of Japanese origin. Kanji characters are used in the Japanese writing system and could provide valuable information about the statue’s provenance, significance, and age. The condition of the inscriptions suggests they have been preserved reasonably well, despite some creasing and discoloration.

The wooden statue itself exhibits signs of aging and wear, indicating its historical and cultural significance. The rough-hewn quality and the patina developed over time suggest that it may have been used in rituals or held in high regard in its cultural context. The raised arm and other distinct features might symbolize specific religious or cultural meanings.

Given its characteristics, if the statue is indeed Japanese, it could belong to a variety of traditional contexts, such as Shinto or Buddhist practices. These statues often serve as guardians, representations of deities, or ancestral figures.