Portable Shrine with Batō, Horse-Headed Kannon (Hayagriva Avalokiteshvara)

Japan

Not on view

This gorgeous lacquer shrine protects a miniature statue of Kannon, the bodhisattva of compassion, who can appear in six different incarnations, one for each of the six realms of existence (rokudō). The multiple faces and arms are signs of the bodhisattva’s supernatural powers. The outwardly fierce, horse-headed Kannon was popular in Japanese warrior society because of his role as protector of animals, especially horses.

Portable Shrine with Batō, Horse-Headed Kannon (Hayagriva Avalokiteshvara), Fruitwood with cut-out gold; lacquered case with maki-e decoration, Japan

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Portable Shrine with Batō, Horse-Headed Kannon (Hayagriva Avalokiteshvara), Fruitwood with cut-out gold; lacquered case with maki-e decoration, Japan
Portable Shrine with Batō, Horse-Headed Kannon (Hayagriva Avalokiteshvara), Fruitwood with cut-out gold; lacquered case with maki-e decoration, Japan

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