Minneapolis Institute of Art

Jizō, the Bodhisattva of the Earth Matrix

Japan

Date

early 13th century

Medium

Wood with polychrome, lacquer, and gold, metal

Department

Asian Art

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

Jizō is a bodhisattva, an enlightened being of infinite grace and compassion who postpones his own buddhahood in order to help living beings escape suffering. Since the 900s, he has been portrayed as a young traveling monk who carries a wish-granting jewel and pilgrim’s staff with metal rings that jingle to announce his arrival. He is popularly believed to assist those condemned to the torments of hell and the wayward souls of deceased children. This sculpture shows Jizō descending from the heavens, as suggested by the cloud bank that supports his lotus pedestal. Japan, Asia

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