Relief of Kannon Bosatsu 観音菩薩 - Granite - Japan - mid-Edo period (18th century)

Granite relief of Kannon Bosatsu 観音菩薩, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, with traces of original polychromy

Japan, mid-Edo period (18th century)

This particularly attractive sekibutsu 石仏, or stone Buddhist image, depicts Kannon standing with a lotus before a pointed halo (kōhai 光背). Traces of the original colours remain visible on the headdress and robes.

Known in Sanskrit as Avalokiteśvara, Kannon is believed to hear the cries of those in distress and to take many forms to relieve suffering. The lotus is a traditional attribute of Kannon and symbolises spiritual purity. In Pure Land Buddhism, Kannon is one of the principal attendants of Amida Buddha 阿弥陀如来 and helps welcome the dying to rebirth in the Western Pure Land.

Condition · Very good overall, with surface weathering consistent with age and outdoor exposure.

Weight · 13.4 kg