Bosatsu: The Bodhisattvas

Bosatsu (菩薩), from the Sanskrit bodhisattva, are beings who have vowed to attain awakening for the sake of all others, and who remain in the world to help until every being is saved. They form the second of the four ranks and are, for most Japanese people, the most approachable figures in Buddhism: Kannon who answers prayers, Jizō who guards children.

Japanese 菩薩, bosatsu
Sanskrit Bodhisattva
Rank Second of four
Recognise by Crown or high topknot, jewellery, scarves draped over the shoulders, a skirt and often a gentle sway of the body
Exception Jizō, who is dressed as a monk

The dress of a prince

A bodhisattva wears the clothing of an Indian prince, the life Shaka left behind. Look for a crown, hōkan, long hair falling over the shoulders, necklaces, armlets and bracelets, a long scarf, tenne, looping across the body, and a pleated skirt. Standing bodhisattvas often rest their weight on one leg, a sign of readiness to move towards those in need. The contrast with the plain robe of a buddha is the first step in identifying a figure.

The bodhisattvas of Japan

Bodhisattvas in company

Bodhisattvas are most often attendants in a triad, flanking a buddha. In paintings of Amida's descent, twenty-five bodhisattvas play music and dance as they come to welcome the faithful. The deified Hachiman was given the title of great bodhisattva, a sign of how freely the role crossed into Japanese belief; see Shinbutsu Shūgō.

Collecting notes

  • The crown, scarves and fingers of a bodhisattva are fragile and often replaced. Look at how they join the body.
  • Kannon is by far the most common bodhisattva on the market. Monju, Fugen and Kokūzō figures are scarcer and more often found in paintings.

In the collection

Browse bodhisattva figures, including Kannon and Jizō. Our collector concierge can search Japan for a particular figure.

See also

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