Senju Kannon (Avalokitêśvara)

Unknown

Handscroll painting of Senju Kannon (Avalokitêśvara), painted in ink and colours on silk by an unknown artist, Japan, late 16th century. The bodhisattva Avalokitêśvara is worshipped in Japan as Kannon. Avalokitêśvara appears in many forms and different genders across the Buddhist world. In East Asia, Avalokitêśvara is often portrayed as female. Senju Kannon means Kannon of One Thousand Arms. This form of Kannon relates to Kannon's compassionate response to those in need. Senju Kannon is endowed with 1000 eyes to witness suffering and 1000 arms to alleviate it. In sculpture and painting, the execution of 1000 arms is challenging. Frequently, as here, 42 arms are used to represent the full 1000.