Product Description

6796 A lacquer and gilt wood sculpture of Kannon Bosatsu (Bodhisattva) seated in kekka fuza (lotus position) on a lotus pedestal raised on top of a dais, the hands in hokkai jō-in, mudra of the meditation of the world of cosmic law. The head is adorned with a decorative crown at the base of a tall top-knot. The face has gyokugan (inlaid crystal eyes) and a crystal also represents the byakugō (white spiralling hair) on the forehead. A gilt copper necklace and armlets adorn the body.

Japan 16th/17th century Momoyama/Edo period

Dimensions:
Figure and base: H. 28″ (71cm)
Figure: H. 16¾” (42.5cm)

Kannon personifies compassion and is one of the most widely worshipped Buddhist divinities in Japan. The name Kannon, meaning ‘watchful listening’ is the shortened version of his original title, Kanzeon, meaning ‘the one who constantly surveys the world listening for the sounds of suffering’.

According to Pure Land Buddhism the task of Kannon, Bodhisattva of mercy (Sanskrit: Avalokiteshvara), is to witness and listen to the prayers and cries of those in difficulty in the earthly realm and to help them achieve salvation. The Lotus Sutra teaches that one will be granted immediate salvation by intently reciting Kannon’s name to ask him for guidance. The three major sutras of Pure Land Buddhism describe Kannon’s descent to meet dying devotees as the principal attendant Bodhisattva of Amida Buddha, along with Seishi Bosatsu.

Veneration of Kannon began in Japan in the late 6th century, soon after Buddhism had been introduced by way of China and Korea. In painting and sculpture, the top of Kannon’s crown is often adorned with a small image of Amida (a kebutsu), symbolising Kannon’s role as Amida’s principal attendant. Kannon is one of the most popular modern deities in Japan’s Pure Land sects and serves various functions including protecting the Six Realms of Karmic Rebirth, acting as patron of motherhood and children, and protecting the souls of aborted children.