Kannon in a Cliffside Grotto

1926

Japanese, 1883-1945

This painting derives from Kansetsu's encounters with Buddhist figures carved into cliffs in China. Kannon (Sanskrit, Avalokiteshvara) is East Asia's most popular bodhisattva, an enlightened being who remains in the cycle of life in order to help others achieve enlightenment. The entire text of the Heart Sutra, traditionally associated with this deity, accompanies the image. The childlike figure below is Zenzai, an attendant commonly pictured with Kannon. The intriguing composition and vigorous brushwork show Kansetsu's literati painting style at its most powerful.

Ink and color on paper

95 1/4 x 24 1/4 in. (241.9 x 61.6cm)

Gift of Griffith and Patricia Way, in honor of the 75th Anniversary of the Seattle Art Museum

2009.70.1

Photo: Eduardo Calderon

Not currently on view

Resources

Published ReferencesMorioka, Michiyo; Berry, Paul. "Modern Masters of Kyoto: The Transformation of Japanese Painting Traditions," Seattle, WA: Seattle Art Museum, 1999, p. 226, illus. 64.

Seattle Art Museum respectfully acknowledges that we are on Indigenous land, the traditional territories of the Coast Salish people. We honor our ongoing connection to these communities past, present, and future.

Learn more about Equity at SAM