Welcoming Descent of Jizō Bodhisattva, first half 14th century
Unknown Japaneseexpand_more
Ink, color, and gold leaf on silkexpand_more
The John R. Van Derlip Fund; purchase from the collection of Elizabeth and Willard Clarkexpand_more 2013.31.49
Not on Viewexpand_more
Jizō is a bodhisattva (bosatsu in Japanese), a divine being who postpones enlightenment in order to assist the living. Here he descends to the earth on a cloud to save a suffering believer. He carries a staff and a wish-granting jewel (hōju). His feet rest on lotus blossoms. Although his head is shaved and his robes are those of a monk, Jizō’s body is adorned with gold jewelry and his outer garments are lavishly decorated with gold, signaling his status as a bodhisattva.
Images of the descent of Jizō, which developed in Japan in the 1200s, likely originated at the religious complex made up of the Buddhist temple Kōfukuji and the Shinto shrine Kasuga in the city of Nara, a center for the worship of Jizō.
Details
- Title
- Welcoming Descent of Jizō Bodhisattva
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2013.31.49
- Curator Approved
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