Jizo

Historical period(s)
Kamakura period, 13th century
Medium
Wood with applied gold leaf
Dimensions
H x W x D: 35.5 × 12 × 10.5 cm (14 × 4 3/4 × 4 1/8 in)
Geography
Japan
Credit Line
Purchase — Charles Lang Freer Endowment
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art
Accession Number
F1965.19a-h
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Sculpture
Type

Buddhist sculpture

Keywords
Buddhism, cintamani, Japan, Kamakura period (1185 - 1333), varada mudra
Provenance
Provenance research underway.
Label

The Buddhist deity Jizo‚ (Kshitigarbha) is a bodhisattva, an enlightened being who alleviates suffering and provides spiritual guidance. Usually portrayed as a youthful Buddhist monk, Jizo‚ is worshiped in Japan as the savior of those condemned to hell and as the protector of women, children, and unborn souls. At sites all over Japan, small stone images of the deity, singly or in groups, serve to protect lost infants and children. This small wood sculpture, created for private devotion or for placement in a small shrine, is embellished with patterns of finely cut gold leaf applied directly to the surface.

Published References
  • Dr. John Alexander Pope, Thomas Lawton, Harold P. Stern. The Freer Gallery of Art. 2 vols., Washington and Tokyo, 1971-1972. cat. 94, vol. 2: p. 179.
  • Masterpieces of Chinese and Japanese Art: Freer Gallery of Art handbook. Washington, 1976. p. 89.
  • Paths to Perfection, Buddhist Art at the Freer/Sackler. Washington. pp. 102-103.
Collection Area(s)
Japanese Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
SI Usage Statement

Usage Conditions Apply

There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.

The information presented on this website may be revised and updated at any time as ongoing research progresses or as otherwise warranted. Pending any such revisions and updates, information on this site may be incomplete or inaccurate or may contain typographical errors. Neither the Smithsonian nor its regents, officers, employees, or agents make any representations about the accuracy, reliability, completeness, or timeliness of the information on the site. Use this site and the information provided on it subject to your own judgment. The Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery welcome information that would augment or clarify the ownership history of objects in their collections.

citation | Save this image How to download an image | Request Permission | Terms of Use