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Bodhisattva
(Sho-Kannon Bosatsu 聖観音菩薩)
(12th century)
Medium
lacquer, gilt-Cypress (Hinoki), crystal
Measurements
172.0 × 60.0 × 50.0 cm (overall)
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased with funds donated by Allan Myers AO and Maria Myers AO, 2011
Gallery location
Level 1, NGV International
About this work
Bodhisattvas are individuals filled with compassion who, rather than enter nirvana after attaining enlightenment, remain in the life-death cycle to redeem other souls. While early Japanese Buddhist art displayed Chinese influences, from the Heian to Kamakura periods (794 - 1333), Japanese sculptures developed distinct design features, including gentle facial features with long, arched eyebrows extending to a thin nose, downcast eyes and small lips. This sculpture displays the prominent Japanese motif of the lotus flower in the shape and details of its stand and swirling halo, as well as the Sanskrit character ‘Sa’ referring to saintly, sacred and virtuous qualities.
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
Japan
Accession Number
2011.118
Department
Asian Art
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of The Gordon Darling Foundation