Juichimen Kannon 観世音寺十一面観音菩薩

The one seen here is Juichimen, the eleven-headed Kannon. The main characteristic of Juichimen are the ten small heads above the deity’s primary head. The numerous heads enable Kannon to face all directions to perceive the suffering of sentient beings. This image dates to the thirteenth century. The sculpture is carved from wood and is the smallest statue in the Treasure House at 103 centimeters tall.

Juichimen Kannon Bodhisattva

Juichimen Kannon Bodhisattva (2 of 3) (Skt: Ekadasamuhka)

Similar to the other Juichimen Kannon images in the collection, the statue has one primary face and ten others protruding above. This image is notable for the exquisite rendering of its thin, draping robe, with numerous folds that cling to the lines of the torso. The statue’s eleventh head, which occupies the highest position, represents the eleventh and final stage of enlightenment—buddhahood. This figure’s right hand is lowered in a mudra (symbolic hand gesture) that represents the granting of wishes, while the left supports a flower vase containing a lotus.

The image was carved from Japanese cypress wood and stands 498 centimeters high. An inscription uncovered on the rear of the figure’s left upper arm dates the statue to 1069. Art historians consider this work particularly valuable, as large images from that time can rarely be dated so precisely.