Senju Kannon (Sahasrabhuja)

This variation of Kannon features numerous arms and an eye in the palm of each hand, emphasizing the power of this Buddhist deity to save sentient beings. Numerous short arms, each with an eye, are depicted among longer ones holding various objects symbolizing the blessings that Kannon bestows. The rendition of these arms is one highlight of works portraying this deity. Here, the arms are arranged beautifully in a circle, harmonizing with the halo surrounding the body.

Strips of cut gold foil as thin as human hair are used to create the delicate patterns on the garment. The lines of the petals on the lotus pedestal were rendered with layered silver and gold foil. This image of Kannon is gracefully adorned with soft intermediate colors and this delicate cut foil, which shimmers and provides a sense of depth.

Moreover, characteristics of Buddhist paintings from the Heian period (794-1192) are prominent in this work: the full yet elegant figure, arms spread in a circle, the use of intermediate colors, and the delicate artistic sense visible in the details. This work also shares features with Buddhist paintings from Song dynasty China (960-1279), which were favored in Japan during the Kamakura period (1185-1333). These features include lines of varying thickness used to depict the Brahman sage Vasu on the right, and the shape of the garment with pointed shoulder ornaments and the vivid colors of the divinity Mahadevi on the left.