Cleveland Museum of Art

Welcoming Descent of Jizō

Date

1200s

Medium

Hanging scroll; ink, color, gold, and cut gold on silk

Culture

Japan, Kamakura period (1185–1333)

Department

Japanese Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

The bodhisattva Jizō—an enlightened being who refuses to become a Buddha in order to aid other beings in their quest for enlightenment—appears as a Buddhist monk carrying a wish-fulfilling jewel and a golden staff topped with rings. He descends with each of his feet balanced atop a lotus, borne by clouds to save a suffering believer who has called out for his help. Jizō is well known among Buddhists for rescuing people from the many Buddhist hells. Jizō is well known for rescuing people from the many Buddhist hells.

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