12. Nyoirin Kannon

12. Nyoirin Kannon

Japan, Edo period, ca. 1693; wood with gold, gold leaf, lacquer, and crystal inlay; 16 9/16 x 12 1/8 x 10 1/4 in.; The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Rogers Fund 1956, 56.39, photo © The Metropolitan Museum of Art; source: Art Resource, NY.

Nyoirin is an esoteric form of Kannon whose name means Jewel-holding Wheel-turning Lord of the World. This Japanese form of the bodhisattva usually has six arms, instead of the two seen here. Carved of wood, and then lacquered and gilded, this beguiling figure sits in a posture of royal ease. Nyoirin rests on a small pedestal meant to suggest Kannon’s Pure Land, known in Japanese as Fudarakusan.  One hand touches his cheek, indicating reflection. Interestingly, this two-armed form of Nyoirin is not holding a jewel or wheel, the attributes that give this bodhisattva his name. Japanese women may have supplicated the two-armed form of the deity to ensure the health and safe delivery of children.

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Nyoirin Kannon (Chintamanichakra)

Nyoirin Kannon (Chintamanichakra)

Japan, Kamakura period, 14th century; hanging scroll, ink, colors and gold on silk, gold-leaf; 40 x 16 3/8 in.; Nara National Museum, 994.

Avalokiteshvara or Padmapani

Avalokiteshvara or Padmapani

Pakistan, Swat Valley, 7th century; bronze inlaid with silver and copper; 8 3/4 x 5 3/4 x 4 1/8 in.; The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Harris Brisbane Dick and Fletcher Funds, 1974, 1974.273, photo: www.metmuseum.org.

Guanyin of the Southern Sea

Guanyin of the Southern Sea

China, Liao (907–1125) or Jin dynasty (1115–1234); wood with polychromy; 95 x 65 in.; The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, Missouri, Purchase, William Rockwell Nelson Trust, 34-10, photo: Jamison Miller.