symbolic marble statues based on the japanese jizo have become such a hit anjian australia will extend its range of products.
the range, which the business first started importing in 2008, will be increased by eight pieces including peace jizo, love jizo and sympathy jizo.
managing director annie whitlock says the statues are so successful because they strike a chord with a wide range of people.
“we are extending the range as people have shown great interest in the jizo story,” she says. “it is not a fad or trend as the jizo stories are hundreds of years old and there is a jizo to suit many situations in japan from fishermen to school children, from sadness to happiness.”
jizo statues are made from crushed marble and resin composite and come in a satin lined gift box with a story card.
whitlock believes they are emotive gifts but took some time for customers to catch on.
“some situations are difficult, such as grief and bereavement, but when a jizo is given it says it all, which is one reason why conscious gifting is so important – who ever received that gift knows that the person giving it to them has thought about it quite a bit.
“when they first came in they took a while to take off, but they are a good seller now and our customers are very happy with them and the sales,” she adds.
