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Jizō, Bodhisattva of the Earth Store (Kshitigarbha)

Kaikei Japanese
ca. 1202
Not on view
The bodhisattva who relieves those suffering in hell, Jizō Bosatsu (Sanskrit: Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha) attends Amida Buddha as he delivers the pious to the Western Paradise and answers the prayers of all living beings. He is represented here in his usual attitude, with a shaved head and wearing the robes of a Buddhist monk. His right hand grasps a staff (shakujō), which he shakes to awaken humans from their delusions; his left hand most likely held a wish-granting jewel (hōju no tama), signifying the bestowal of blessings.

An inscription on the interior of the figure identifies this as a work by Kaikei, one of the two leading sculptors of the early Kamakura period.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 快慶作 地蔵菩薩立像
  • Title: Jizō, Bodhisattva of the Earth Store (Kshitigarbha)
  • Artist: Kaikei (Japanese, active 1183–1223)
  • Period: Kamakura period (1185–1333)
  • Date: ca. 1202
  • Culture: Japan
  • Medium: Lacquered Japanese cypress, color, gold, cut gold, and inlaid crystal
  • Dimensions: H. 22 in. (55.9 cm); W. 6 3/4 in. (17.1 cm); D. 6 3/4 in. (17.1 cm); Diam. of base 6 3/4 in. (17.1 cm)
  • Classification: Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Mary Griggs Burke Collection, Gift of the Mary and Jackson Burke Foundation, 2015
  • Object Number: 2015.300.250a, b
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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