Artwork Page for Water-Moon Kannon (Suigetsu Kannon)

Details / Information for Water-Moon Kannon (Suigetsu Kannon)

Water-Moon Kannon (Suigetsu Kannon)

水月觀音像

1868–1912

Japan, Meiji period

(1868–1912)
Medium
hanging scroll, ink, gold, silver, color, and cut gold-leaf on silk
Measurements
Painting: 104.5 x 41.9 cm (41 1/8 x 16 1/2 in.); Overall with knobs: 188.9 x 64.8 cm (74 3/8 x 25 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Mr. and Mrs. William H. Marlatt Fund 1992.119
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
Print

Description

Kannon represents a primary figure of benevolence and compassion in the Buddhist pantheon. Identified early in Buddhist texts as a close attendant to the Buddha, by the 700s Kannon's popularity soared to such an extent in China, Korea, and Japan that the bodhisattva was often worshipped independently. Here at the lower left, Kannon is depicted with the child Zenzai Dōji (Sakskrit: Sudhana), a wealthy boy who, according to the final chapter of the Flower Garland Sutra, visited Kannon's abode Fudaraka (Sanskrit: Potalaka) during a long journey to learn the bodhisattva path.
A vertically oriented ink and gold painting depicts a large seated figure with dark skin tone and obscured facial features, wearing ornate gold robes and a translucent veil. A massive gold moon radiates behind them against a dark reddish-brown sky with clouds. To the right, a vase holds a branch. Below, on a rocky ledge above stylized waves, a small figure with dark skin tone stands with palms pressed together, gazing toward the deity.

Water-Moon Kannon (Suigetsu Kannon)

1868–1912

Japan, Meiji period (1868–1912)

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork