White-Robed Kannon, Kanzan, and Jittoku

Kanzan and Jittoku: probably 14th century; Kannon: probably 15th century

Not on view

These three devotional paintings were probably reconstituted as a triptych in late medieval times. The bodhisattva of infinite compassion, Kannon (Chinese: Guanyin), is flanked by Kanzan and Jittoku (Chinese: Hanshan and Shide), quasi-historical eccentrics of the eighth century from Chan legend. Kanzan and Jittoku appear somewhat disheveled and lack their usual attributes: a scroll of paper for the former and a straw broom for the latter. Kanzan is depicted with his mouth open, as if laughing with delight at the moon in the sky above, while his companion, Jittoku, looks down in quiet admiration of the moon’s reflection in the water.

Artwork Details

白衣観音・寒山拾得図
Title: White-Robed Kannon, Kanzan, and Jittoku
Artist: Unidentified artist , 14th century
Period: Nanbokuchō (1336–1392)–Muromachi period (1392–1573)
Date: Kanzan and Jittoku: probably 14th century; Kannon: probably 15th century
Culture: Japan
Medium: Set of three hanging scrolls; ink on silk
Dimensions: Image (a): 33 3/8 × 15 1/16 in. (84.8 × 38.3 cm)
Overall with mounting (a): 69 1/2 × 20 13/16 in. (176.5 × 52.9 cm)
Overall with knobs (a): 69 1/2 × 22 13/16 in. (176.5 × 57.9 cm)
Image (b): 33 5/16 × 14 1/16 in. (84.6 × 35.7 cm)
Overall with mounting (b): 69 1/2 × 19 7/8 in. (176.5 × 50.5 cm)
Overall with knobs (b): 69 1/2 × 21 7/8 in. (176.5 × 55.6 cm)
Image (c): 33 5/16 × 14 3/16 in. (84.6 × 36 cm)
Overall with mounting (c): 69 1/2 × 17 1/2 in. (176.5 × 44.5 cm)
Overall with knobs (c): 69 1/2 × 21 7/8 in. (176.5 × 55.6 cm)
Classification: Paintings
Credit Line: Mary and Cheney Cowles Collection, Gift of Mary and Cheney Cowles, 2018
Object Number: 2018.853.4a–c
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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