A small polychrome wood figure of Kishimonjin (Hariti)Edo period (1615-1868), 18th/19th centuryAlso known as Kariteimo, a Buddhist protector of children and the Lotus Sutra, standing in Chinese-style robes and cradling an infant in her left arm, her right hand positioned to hold a spray of fruiting pomegranates (now missing), the figure set on a rockwork base and framed by a gilt-bronze nimbus with three flaming jewels on lotus petals 25cm high (including mandorla)注脚Kishimonjin was originally a fierce spirit who kidnapped children and fed them to her own offspring. After realizing the pain and suffering she caused countless parents, she converted to Buddhism and adopted the role of protector of all children.