13. Descent of Eleven-headed Kannon (Avalokiteshvara)

13. Descent of Eleven-headed Kannon (Avalokiteshvara)

Japan, Kamakura period, 14th century; hanging scroll, ink, color, gold, and cut gold on silk; image: 33 15/16 x 15 1/4 in., mount: 64 1/4 x 19 1/2 in., The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Purchase, Charles Wrightsman Gift, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, Dodge, Pfeiffer and Rogers Funds, and funds from various donors, 1972, 1972.181, photo: www.metmuseum.org.

In Pure Land Buddhism, Kannon is Amida’s most important attendant.  He leads the Welcoming Descent, known as Raigo in Japanese. Kannon offers dying devotees a lotus throne, which signals their transfer from the mundane world to Amida’s pure realm of Sukhavati. This painting shows the eleven-headed form of Kannon, called Juichimen in Japanese, an esoteric manifestation sometimes seen in Pure Land imagery. Floating down from Sukhavati on a pedestal of clouds, Kannon emanates golden light while holding a vase with a lotus. The bodhisattva’s right hand makes the compassionate varada mudra.  Gorgeous jewels and sumptuous fabrics adorn the androgynous deity, a radiant vision that reflects the splendor of Amida’s Pure Land.

Compare and Explore

Welcoming Descent of the Buddha of Infinite Light and Twenty-five Bodhisattvas

Welcoming Descent of the Buddha of Infinite Light and Twenty-five Bodhisattvas

Japan, Kamakura period, early 14th century; ink, gold, and color on silk; 62 5/16 x 63 11/16 in.; Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, Gift of Charles Lang Freer, F1911.475.

Kannon Holding a Lotus Seat

Kannon Holding a Lotus Seat

Japan, Edo period, traditionally attributed to the 13th century but probably 17th century; wood with gilt lacquer; object: H. 11 1/4 in., base: 1 15/16 x 4 15/16 x 4 15/16 in.; Yale University Art Gallery, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. William B. Jaffe, 1968.104.3.

 Eleven–headed Avalokiteshvara

 Eleven–headed Avalokiteshvara

Western Tibet, Dungkar, mid–10th–12th century; wall painting, photo: Filippo Zonta, 2013.