Gesso, color, kirikane on wood, metal

Jizō, the Bodhisattva of the Earth Matrix, early 13th century

Unknown Japaneseexpand_more

Wood with polychrome, lacquer, and gold; metalexpand_more

Gift of funds from Anne de Uribe Echebarria in honor of her husband, Luis de Uribe Echebarria, Mary Livingston Griggs and Mary Burke Foundation, Mary Griggs Burke, The Putnam Dana McMillan and William Hood Dunwoody Fundsexpand_more  86.7a-c

Not on Viewexpand_more

Jizō is a bodhisattva, an enlightened being of infinite grace and compassion who postpones his own buddhahood in order to help living beings escape suffering. Since the 900s, he has been portrayed as a young traveling monk who carries a wish-granting jewel and pilgrim’s staff with metal rings that jingle to announce his arrival. He is popularly believed to assist those condemned to the torments of hell and the wayward souls of deceased children. This sculpture shows Jizō descending from the heavens, as suggested by the cloud bank that supports his lotus pedestal.

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Jizo, Japan, Kamakura Period (#251)
Details
Title
Jizō, the Bodhisattva of the Earth Matrix
Role
Artist
Dimension
33 1/16 in. (84 cm)
Accession Number
86.7a-c
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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Gesso, color, kirikane on wood, metal

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