Kannon in a Cliffside Grotto

Date1926

Label TextThis 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.

Object number2009.70.1

Photo CreditPhoto: Eduardo Calderon

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.

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

DimensionsOverall (incl. endknobs): 95 1/2 × 26 9/16 in. (242.5 × 67.5 cm) Image: 66 5/16 × 18 9/16 in. (168.5 × 47.2 cm)

MediumInk and color on paper