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Jizō, the Bodhisattva of the Earth Store

late 12th–mid-13th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 224
Here, Jizō (Sanskrit: Kshitigarbha), a bodhisattva, or enlightened, compassionate being who leads others along the Buddhist path, takes the guise of an itinerant monk. In his left hand he holds a wish-fulfilling jewel, and in his right, a monk’s staff topped with six rings that jingle to announce his arrival. Jizō’s presence illuminates the righteous path from hell to paradise, and he protects those who call out to him. The sculpture’s lower half bears traces of richly colored paint and cut-gold decoration that offer a glimpse of the work’s original appearance. The flowing garment helps date the figure to the early Kamakura period.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 地蔵菩薩立像
  • Title: Jizō, the Bodhisattva of the Earth Store
  • Period: Kamakura period (1185–1333)
  • Date: late 12th–mid-13th century
  • Culture: Japan
  • Medium: Wood with lacquer, gold leaf, cut gold leaf (kirikane), and color
  • Dimensions: Figure with base: H. 71 1/2 in. (181.6 cm); W. 28 1/2 in. (72.4 cm); D. 22 1/2 in. (57.4 cm)
    Figure with base and staff: H. 74 1/4 in. (188.6 cm)
  • Classification: Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1918
  • Object Number: 18.93
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

More Artwork

More Artwork
Finial of a Buddhist Monk’s Staff (Shakujō), Bronze, Japan
Finial of a Buddhist Monk’s Staff (Shakujō)
Japan
Jizō, Bodhisattva of the Earth Store (Kshitigarbha), Wood with lacquer, pigment, and cut gold, Japan
Jizō, Bodhisattva of the Earth Store (Kshitigarbha)
Japan
14th century
Guardian Figure (Ni-Ten), Painted wood, Japan
Guardian Figure (Ni-Ten)
Japan
11th century
Armor (<i>Yoroi</i>) of Ashikaga Takauji (1305–1358), Iron, lacquer, leather, silk, gilt copper, Japanese
Armor (Yoroi) of Ashikaga Takauji (1305–1358)
Japanese
early 14th century
Fudō Myōō, the Immovable Wisdom King (Achala Vidyaraja), Kaikei Japanese, Japanese cypress with lacquer, color, gold, cut gold leaf (kirikane), and inlaid crystal eyes, Japan
Fudō Myōō, the Immovable Wisdom King (Achala Vidyaraja)
Kaikei
early 13th century

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