Edo Figurative Paintings

This exquisite hanging scroll painting from the late 18th century depicts the sacred form of the bodhisattva Guanyin, known in Japanese Buddhism as Shō Kannon, or Guze Kannon. Described as the "Buddha of Infinite Compassion" or the “Goddess of Mercy,” Kannon is the embodiment of empathy and grace and makes herself available to all who call upon her with all their mind. Typically depicted as a woman in Chinese and Japanese art, Kannon can take many forms and is often invoked to encourage fertility or alleviate suffering. This painted scroll depicts the goddess Kannon standing upon a swirling cloud with lotus flowers beneath her feet. Backed by a moon-like halo, she exudes calm and elegance, dressed in flowing robes and intricate jewelry as she gazes downwards at the viewer. Her right hand is held towards the ground in vitarka mudra, a gesture of wisdom and teaching. In her left hand she holds a lotus flower which in turn supports the book of knowledge...

Beautiful portrait of a Japanese woman dressed in a white shirt and bright red pants (hakama). She is dressed as a miko, or shrine maiden, a type of priest who works at a Japanese Shinto shrine...