Japanese Hanging Scroll of the Goddess of Mercy

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, symbolizing purity of mind as the path to enlightenment. Close attention to detail further enhances the beauty of her graceful form, such as the delicate shading of her face and the gilt linework of her robes, suggestive of silk embroidery.

The portrait is painted in a subdued palette of dark colors on woven silk and mounted on a silk brocade backing woven with full flower blossoms and trailing vines. Gilt copper mounts reinforce the silk at either end.