Juichimen Kannon (Eleven-headed Avalokitesvara), unknown maker from Japan

Artwork Overview

Juichimen Kannon (Eleven-headed Avalokitesvara)
Juichimen Kannon (Eleven-headed Avalokitesvara)
Juichimen Kannon (Eleven-headed Avalokitesvara)
1600s with alterations made in the 1800s
Juichimen Kannon (Eleven-headed Avalokitesvara) , 1600s with alterations made in the 1800s
Where object was made: Japan
Material/technique: color; ink; kirikane; silk
Dimensions:
Image Dimensions Height/Width (Height x Width): 110.8 x 50.5 cm
Image Dimensions Height/Width (Height x Width): 43 5/8 x 19 7/8 in
Mount Dimensions (Height x Width x Depth): 194.3 x 69.9 cm
Mount Dimensions (Height x Width x Depth): 76 1/2 x 27 1/2 in
Roller Dimensions (Width x Diameter): 29 1/2 x 1 1/2 in
Credit line: Gift of Dr. and Mrs. George A. Colom
Accession number: 1986.0092
Not on display
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Label texts

Exhibition Label: "Compassionate Beings: Japanese Buddhist Art," Sep-2009, Kris Ercums The bodhisattva Kannon (Sk. Avalokitesvara; Ch. Guanyin) known for his compassion, is one of the most venerated and popular Buddhist deities. Pure Land scriptures dictated that faith in the eleven-headed Kannon would assure rebirth in the Pure Land or Western Paradise of the Buddha Amida. An image of Amida appears in the crown. The multiple heads, which are often depicted with different facial expressions from wrathful to serene, represent various aspects of Kannon’s power to help human beings overcome desire and attain enlightenment and rebirth in the Western Paradise. This manifestation with eleven serene faces emphasizes the bodhisattva’s all encompassing sight. The setting of a rocky boulder in the sea is a reference to the home of the bodhisattva, Mount Potalaka (Ch. Putuoshan) in the southern sea. Exhibition Label: "Asian Gallery," Jul-2003, Youmi Efurd The bodhisattva Kannon (Sk. Avalokitesvara; Ch. Guanyin), the compassionate savior, has been worshiped throughout Buddhist countries. This manifestation with eleven heads was conceived to emphasize his omniscience, for it enabled him to look in every direction in order to save all creatures. The setting of a rocky boulder in the sea is a reference to the home of the bodhisattva, Mount Potalaka (Ch. Putuoshan) in the southern sea. An image of Amida Buddha (Sk. Amitabha) appears in the crown of Kannon. Archive Label 2003: The bodhisattva Kannon (S. Avalokites´vara), known for his compassion, is one of the most venerated and popular Buddhist deities and appears in a large number of forms, both male and female. Pure Land scriptures dictated that faith in the Eleven-headed Kannon would assure rebirth in the Pure Land or Western Paradise of the Buddha Amida. An image of Amida appears in the crown, seated on a rock and holding his traditional attributes: a lotus flower, vase, and pendant jewels. The multiple heads, which are often depicted with different facial expressions from wrathful to serene, represent various aspects of Kannon’s power to help human beings overcome desire and attain enlightenment and rebirth in the Western Paradise. This manifestation with eleven serene faces emphasizes the bodhisattva’s all encompassing sight. Archive Label date unknown: This manifestation fo one of the most popular bodhisattvas, depicted with eleven heads, was conceived to emphasize his omniscience for it enabled him to look in every direction in order to save all creatures. Sutras dictated that faith in this form of Kannon would dispell all sins an dassure rebirth in Amida's paradise. An image of Amida Buddha appears in the crown of Kannon, here shown seated on a rock amidst the sea, holding the traditional attributes: a lotus flower, vase, and pendant jewels.