Title: Jizo Bosatsu Standing on a Double Lotus
Location: Japan
Culture: Japan (15th Century AD)
Medium: Gilded Wood
Dimensions: Width: 43cm, Height: 107cm, Diameter: 35.5 cm – Measurements taken by Museo d’Arte Orientale
Repository: Museo D’Arte Orientale
Image Description: Originally made of shiny gilded wood, this figurine of the Jizo Bosatsu, otherwise known as the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva in Sanskrit, depicts an enlightened male standing on two stacked lotus flowers. Jizo stands in a relaxed state as his face is un-tensed, other than his closed eyes, his robe’s creases don’t depict any motion, and his left hand is raised, holding a precious jewel used to bring light into darkness. Including the jewel in Jizo’s left hand, he has many tools to fulfill his duty as an “emptier of the hells.” Furthermore, he uses his staff, which is removable in this figurine, to force through the gates of hell and salvage lost souls. As is observable in this specific rendering, Jizo is frequently depicted with a glowing halo as well. Crafted around his head, Jizo uses this halo to further illuminate the darkness he travels through, and to show his holiness to those who need it most.
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