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Portable Shine (zushi) with Batō Kannon, the Horse-headed Bodhisattva of Compassion

ca. 1620
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.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 厨子入馬頭漢音坐像
  • Title: Portable Shine (zushi) with Batō Kannon, the Horse-headed Bodhisattva of Compassion
  • Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
  • Date: ca. 1620
  • Culture: Japan
  • Medium: Fruitwood with lacquer, pigments, gold, metal fittings
  • Dimensions: Portable shrine: H. 7 3/4 in. (19.7 cm); W. 3 1/2 in. (8.9 cm); D. 3 in. (7.6 cm)
    Statue: H. 2 5/16 in. (5/9 cm)
  • Classification: Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Friends of Far Eastern Art Gifts, 1985
  • Object Number: 1985.96
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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early 17th century

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