Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara Welcoming the Faithful to Paradise
Japan, unknown artist, Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara Welcoming the Faithful to Paradise, late 12th/13th century, lacquered and gilded wood with gesso, gilt metal, and glass beads, Bequest of Jerome D. Davis, public domain, 94.16a-c
This work is not currently on view.
- Title
Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara Welcoming the Faithful to Paradise
- Related Titles
alternate: Kannon Bosatsu Welcoming the Faithful to Paradise
- Artist
- Date
late 12th/13th century
- Period
Japan: Kamakura period (1185-1333)
- Medium
lacquered and gilded wood with gesso, gilt metal, and glass beads
- Dimensions (H x W x D)
30 in x 9 1/2 in
- Collection Area
Asian Art
- Category
Sculpture
- Object Type
sculpture
- Culture
Japanese
- Credit Line
Bequest of Jerome D. Davis
- Accession Number
94.16a-c
- Copyright
public domain
- Terms
Kannon is the Japanese name for Avalokitesvara, the Buddhist bodhisattva of compassion. While the Buddha can seem remote, Kannon is actively engaged in the world, aiding those in need. In this sculpture, the deity leans forward, offering the believer a lotus seat that will transport him or her to Amida's Western Paradise in the afterlife.
The lively pose is inspired by the Pure Land School of Buddhism, which teaches that everyone can attain salvation by fervently calling upon the name of the Buddha Amida. In the next life, the faithful will be reborn in his Western Paradise, like lotus buds that rise pristine above the waters of a muddy pond. Faith in Amida's Western Paradise reached a fever pitch in Japan during the Kamakura period (1185–1333), when this Kannon was made.