16. Kannon

16. Kannon

Japan, Edo period, 1615–1868; hanging scroll, ink and color on silk; image: 61 7/8 x 33 in., mount: 87 7/8 x 39 1/2 in.; The Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center, Vassar College, Gift of Daniele Selby ’13, 2014.20.1.

This scroll depicts Avalokiteshvara, known in Japan as Kannon, in his mythical dwelling Fudarakusan, which is portrayed as a rocky outcropping above swirling waves. Here he adopts the form of the Water-Moon Kannon, one of his numerous guises. Shown seated in a posture of ease, Kannon is attired in resplendent robes and elaborate jewels. The willow branch, which can heal illnesses and bring fulfillment to devotees’ requests, is displayed in a vase to the figure’s right. The boy Sudhana, who is on a spiritual pilgrimage, stands at Kannon’s feet in a pose of veneration. He is in search of ultimate truth and enlightenment. LL

Compare and Explore

Water-Moon Avalokiteshvara

Water-Moon Avalokiteshvara

Korea, Goryeo dynasty, first half of the 14th century; hanging scroll, ink and color on silk; image: 45 1/16 x 21 7/8 in., mount: 79 3/8 x 28 in.; The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Charles Stewart Smith Collection, Gift of Mrs. Charles Stewart Smith, Charles Stewart Smith Jr., and Howard Caswell Smith, in memory of Charles Stewart Smith, 1914, 14.76.6, photo: www.metmuseum.org.

Guanyin Acolytes

Guanyin Acolytes

China, Yuan Dynasty, 1313; ink and color on silk; 41 1/2 x 21 1/2 in.; National Palace Museum, Taipei, 001957N0000000001.

Pilgrim Sudhana

Pilgrim Sudhana

China, Ming dynasty, late 15th–early 17th century; wood (linden) with pigment, lacquer, and gilding; single woodblock construction; 27 1/2 x 12 in.; The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, 1942, 42.25.6, photo: www.metmuseum.org.