Nyoirin Kannon

Nyoirin Kannon (如意輪観音) holds the wish-granting jewel, nyoi hōju, and the wheel of the teaching, hōrin: the jewel answers the wishes of the world, the wheel turns the Dharma. Among all forms of Kannon, Nyoirin is the most sensuous and contemplative, seated with one knee raised and a hand to the cheek.

Japanese 如意輪観音, Nyoirin Kannon
Sanskrit Cintāmaṇicakra
Rank Bodhisattva
Recognise by Six arms; seated with the right knee raised; a hand to the cheek; a jewel and a wheel
Realm The heavens, among the Six Kannon

Reading the six arms

The six arms are usually read as reaching into the six realms. On the right, one hand touches the cheek in thought, one holds the jewel and one a rosary. On the left, one rests on a mountain or the ground, one holds a lotus and one supports the wheel on a raised finger. The seated pose with raised knee, rinnōza, gives the figure its relaxed, regal ease.

Two-armed Nyoirin

An older two-armed form, seated on a rock with one leg pendant, survives at Ishiyamadera on Lake Biwa. The famous pensive figure at Chūgūji in Nara is honoured by the temple as Nyoirin, although art historians often identify the type as Miroku.

Nyoirin in Japanese art

The six-armed Nyoirin of Kanshinji, south of Osaka, is a ninth-century masterpiece of esoteric sculpture, with its colours still vivid because it has been kept hidden for most of its history. It is shown to the public on only two days each spring. Nyoirin also appears in the mandalas and as the principal image of many Shingon temples.

Collecting notes

  • Nyoirin figures are less common than other forms, and a complete set of attributes is rare.
  • The fingers holding the wheel and jewel are delicate. Inspect them closely for repair.

In the collection

Browse Kannon figures and esoteric Buddhist art. Our collector concierge can search Japan for a Nyoirin image.

See also

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