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The Bodhisattva Jizō

Intan Japanese
1291
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 224
Jizō is an enlightened being who, out of compassion, leads others along the Buddhist path. He is best known for rescuing souls from hell and protecting children. In this sculpture, Jizō is portrayed as a youthful monk with a shaved head and a patchwork surplice layered over his robe. He wields a monk’s staff in his right hand—which he rattles to awaken humans from their delusions—while in his left he holds a jewel of wisdom that grants all wishes. Jizō’s long earlobes and the urna on his forehead symbolize his enlightened state. This sculpture, one of only three surviving works bearing the name of the sculptor Intan, is signed on one of the wood tenons used to slot the bodhisattva’s feet into the lotus base.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 院湛作　地蔵菩薩立像
  • Title: The Bodhisattva Jizō
  • Artist: Intan (Japanese, active 13th century)
  • Period: Kamakura period (1185–1333)
  • Date: 1291
  • Culture: Japan
  • Medium: Japanese cypress wood (hinoki) with polychrome pigments, gold paint (kindei), cut gold leaf (kirikane), and rock-crystal eyes
  • Dimensions: H (with pedestal) 53 1/2 in. (135.9 cm); W. 11 in. (27.9 cm)
  • Classification: Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Florence and Herbert Irving Acquisitions Fund for Asian Art, Florence and Herbert Irving Acquisitions Fund, by exchange, The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Foundation Fund, Brooke Russell Astor Bequest, and Fletcher Fund, 2023
  • Object Number: 2023.640a–c
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

More Artwork

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Attendant Bodhisattva Seishi, Wood with lacquer, gold paint, gold leaf, and inlaid crystal, Japan
Attendant Bodhisattva Seishi
Japan
late 12th–13th century
Crowned Buddha, Wood with lacquer and gilt, Burma
Crowned Buddha
Burma
ca. 13th–early 14th century
Six of the Twelve Divine Generals (Jūni shinshō), Wood with lacquer, color, gold, and inlaid crystal eyes, Japan
Six of the Twelve Divine Generals (Jūni shinshō)
Japan
early 14th century
Attendant Bodhisattva Kannon, Wood with lacquer, gold paint, gold leaf, and inlaid crystal, Japan
Attendant Bodhisattva Kannon
Japan
late 12th–13th century
Shiva Seated with Parvati, Copper alloy, Nepal (Kathmandu Valley)
Shiva Seated with Parvati
Nepal (Kathmandu Valley)
11th century

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