White-Robed Kannon (Byakue Kannon)
Unknown Artist
c. 1200
Medium
hanging scroll; ink on paper
Dimensions
178.4 × 64.1 cm · image: 91.4 × 45.1 cm
Classification
Painting
Department
Japanese Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
John L. Severance Fund
Accession Number
1951.540
About this artwork
Kannon is a deity of mercy and compassion in the Buddhist faith. This monochrome sketch comes from Kōzan-ji, a temple in northwest Kyoto. The subdued ink tones and plain brushwork reflect the taste of Zen Buddhism, which began to have an impact on the visual arts in 13th-century Japan.