Eleven-Headed Kannon (Jūichimen Kannon)
Unknown Artist
1200s
Medium
hanging scroll; color and cut gold (kirikane) on silk
Dimensions
106.7 × 39.7 cm
Classification
Painting
Department
Japanese Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
John L. Severance Fund
Accession Number
1970.79
About this artwork
The Eleven-Headed Kannon, a deity of mercy and compassion in the Buddhist pantheon, was introduced into Japan in the 600s. By the 700s it had gained in popularity among an increasing number of believers, a condition it enjoyed until the end of the Kamakura period. The modest size and high quality of the materials apparent in this work indicate its use as a private devotional image. An earlier restoration of this painting included the use of an entire silk backing layer rather than silk patches w...