Description

A large figure of 24 armed seated Kannon, gold gilt over wood carving of the bodhisattva of compassion, seated in meditation atop a lotus pedestal, two of her arms clasped in prayer, the other pair of front hands with palms pointed upwards and thumbs touching, in a meditation mudra.

Kannon Boudhisattva, known as Kannon Bousatsu Lord of Compassion, Goddess of Mercy.
Kannon worship began in India around the 1st or 2nd century AD and then spread to Southeast Asia, including Japan, China, and Korea.

The Sino-Japanese term Kannon 観音 (Chinese = Guānyīn) literally means watchful listening, and is often translated as “one who sees / hears all.” This is indeed the task of the compassionate Kannon — to witness and listen to the prayers and cries of those in difficulty in the earthly realm, and to help them achieve salvation. Another Japanese name for Kannon is Kanzeon 観世音, the one who constantly surveys (kan 観) the world (ze 世) listening for the sounds (on 音) of suffering. It was later shortened to Kannon.

The other of Kannon’s 20 arms stretch out from her back performing different mudra gestures. The bodhisattva’s serene face with inlaid glass eyes partially opened, the third eye inlaid with crystal. Kannon’s necklace and headdress are reppousse metalwork with floral motifs, phoenixes, Dharma wheel, and wishing balls with hanging beads. The Amitabha Buddha stands atop the Kannon’s head and her many faces can be seen when viewed from different angles. Behind the Bodhisattva is a tall pillar of billow lingzhi smoke with a central lotus.

Dates Edo Age 18th-19th century

Dimensions: 25″ W x 25″ D x 50″ H overall, 17″ W x 17″ D x 26″ H statue only