Statue of Yoryu Kannon 大安寺揚柳観音

Yoryu Kannon is named after the Japanese word for “willow,” and is thus often depicted holding a willow branch. This statue was carved from a Japanese nutmeg tree in the eighth century. Unlike the benevolent look of the Eleven-Headed Kannon, this statue wears a determined expression with a knitted brow and bared teeth. This represents protection against illness, which is why this Kannon is also known as Yakuo Bosatsu, the bodhisattva of medicine.

The statue has a robust physique, but is clothed in graceful, flowing robes. There is also a belt above the waist, which is unusual in Buddhist statuary. The hair falling on the statue’s shoulders was fashioned from wood powder and lacquer.