Nyoirin Kannon 如意輪観音 | anonymous | 18th century

A Kannon, in its six different forms as a Bosatsu, is neither male nor female—it transcends this dichotomy. In terms of the worshippers' veneration, it is a sacred figure that shares many similarities with Christian saints. Thus, each Kannon Bosatsu is responsible for specific concerns and worries. However, often several needs are symbolized in a single figure by depicting it with multiple arms—up to a thousand—and even multiple heads. In this way, the figure can respond specifically to every suffering and longing.

A Nyoirin Kannon has six arms. The first raised arm holds the "Wheel of Buddha Law" rin (hōrin), another hand holds the jewel of "desire" nyoi (nyoi hoju) in front of the chest - hence the name Nyoirin Kannon.

A third hand holds a stem with a white lotus blossom, and a fourth grasps a rosary. Two more hands serve as supports—one to balance the upper body of the seated figure and the other to rest the inclined head. The figure has two flaming halos, reminding the faithful that excessive desire burns the heart.

The Nyoirin Kannon sits upon a lotus blossom, beneath which a powerfully sculpted brown rock—rising from ocean waves—forms the base. It is as if she were listening to her compassionate inner stirrings within an imaginary crystal sphere. The sphere is white, but her body is even whiter, purer than crystal itself.

The secret magic of this image lies in the muted blue of the background, undisturbed by any depicted details. This blue creates an incomparably ethereal effect that movingly underscores the figure's majesty.  

The painting required extensive restoration; the entire silk mounting was redesigned, and the roller attachments were also replaced.