The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of February 7, 2023

Bodhisattva

観音菩薩像

c. 1200–1250

Japan, Kamakura period

(1185-1333)

Lacquered wood with color, gilt copper and cut-gold (kirikane)

With base: 76.2 cm (30 in.); without base: 55.9 cm (22 in.)

John L. Severance Fund 1952.90

Location

not on view

Description

This sculpture represents one of two bodhisattvas who flank the Buddha Amida, the Buddha of Infinite Life and Light. He has one foot in front of the other and his right leg bent at the knee to show that he is in motion; his torso also sways. He accompanies Amida as he descends to collect a dying person who has asked to be born after death into Amida’s Pure Land, a place conducive to progressing along the path to enlightenment.

Provenance
T. Hara, Yokohama, Japan
(Hollis & Company)
Citations
The Cleveland Museum of Art. The Cleveland Museum of Art Handbook. Cleveland, OH: The Cleveland Museum of Art, 1958. Mentioned and Reproduced: cat. no. 907 archive.org
The Cleveland Museum of Art. Handbook of the Cleveland Museum of Art/1966. Cleveland, OH: The Cleveland Museum of Art, 1966. Reproduced: p. 275 archive.org
The Cleveland Museum of Art. Handbook of the Cleveland Museum of Art/1969. Cleveland, OH: The Cleveland Museum of Art, 1969. Reproduced: p. 275 archive.org
The Cleveland Museum of Art. Handbook of the Cleveland Museum of Art/1978. Cleveland, OH: The Cleveland Museum of Art, 1978. Reproduced: p. 371 archive.org
Source URL: https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1952.90