Artwork preview

Jizō, the Bodhisattva of the Earth Store

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The statue depicts a bald man wearing a robe and holding a staff. The statue is made of dark brown material, possibly bronze or wood, with a weathered appearance. The figure has a shaved head and is dressed in a long robe with a sash around the waist. The robe has wide sleeves and is draped over the left shoulder. The right hand grasps a staff that rises above the figure's head, featuring a decorative top. The left hand is bent at the elbow and holds an object. The statue stands on a round base adorned with a lotus flower design. The base has a wide, flat bottom and a narrower top, with a decorative edge resembling petals. The background of the image is dark gray, with a lighter gray floor. The statue appears to represent Jizō, the Bodhisattva of the Earth Store.

Artwork Details

Date
late 12th–mid-13th century
Medium
Wood with lacquer, gold leaf, cut gold leaf (kirikane), and color
Culture
Japan
Dimensions
500 × 625 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette