figure seated with one knee up; six arms; of PL arms: one pointing up, one placed on "floor", one outstretched in mudra; of PR arms: one placed next to cheek, one down and holding bracelet, one outstretched holding sphere

Nyoirin Kannon, the Bodhisattva of Compassion with the Wish-granting Jewel, 13th - early 14th century

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The distinctive seated pose identifies this figure as Nyoirin Kannon, a wish-fulfilling form of the deity Kannon. One right hand holds a wish-granting jewel near his chest, while another holds a string of prayer beads. Lost to time are a bronze lotus blossom that would have been held in the left hand near his chest and a wheel (symbolizing the Buddha’s teachings) on the tip of his upraised finger. A fifth hand rests on his cheek while the sixth is flat on the ground, bracing him against the earth. To accurately depict this complex deity, the sculptor would have referred to iconographic drawings like those displayed here.

Details
Title
Nyoirin Kannon, the Bodhisattva of Compassion with the Wish-granting Jewel
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2013.29.50
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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figure seated with one knee up; six arms; of PL arms: one pointing up, one placed on "floor", one outstretched in mudra; of PR arms: one placed next to cheek, one down and holding bracelet, one outstretched holding sphere