Jizō Bosatsu, known in Sanskrit as Kṣitigarbha, is the compassionate Bodhisattva of guidance, protection and relief from suffering. This vintage kakejiku seats him on a radiant lotus pedestal within circular halos, a richly colored devotional image whose calm expression and balanced posture give the composition a quiet, dignified presence.
The Piece
Jizō is dressed in layered robes of deep blue, vermilion red, green, ivory and gold. In one hand he holds the ringed ceremonial staff associated with his travels between realms and his vow to guide beings through difficult passages; in the other he carries a flaming jewel symbolizing spiritual illumination, fulfilled aspiration and the light of Buddhist wisdom.
Among the most familiar and beloved Bodhisattvas in Japanese Buddhism, Jizō is traditionally the protector of children, travelers, the deceased and those passing through uncertain transitions. His gentle face and monastic robes express humility, patience and the vow to remain close to ordinary beings. Symbolic interpretations vary among schools and regional traditions, and the scroll is offered as devotional and cultural artwork, without promise of spiritual or supernatural effects.
The central image is mounted as a traditional kakejiku, framed by a burgundy and gold floral inner border and an outer brocade-style mounting decorated with pale botanical motifs. The meeting of vivid sacred imagery and subdued, aged textiles suits a Buddhist altar, meditation room, study or tea room as readily as a thoughtfully curated contemporary interior.
Details
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Era: Vintage
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Origin: Japan
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Format: Kakejiku (hanging scroll), large vertical devotional composition
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Subject: Jizō Bosatsu (Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva), seated on a lotus pedestal with layered circular halos
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Attributes: Ringed ceremonial staff; flaming jewel
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Color: Deep blue, vermilion red, green, ivory and gold
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Mounting: Burgundy and gold floral inner border; brocade-style outer textile with pale botanical motifs; hanging components and lower scroll rod
Condition
- Vintage and pre-owned, with visible age-related characteristics; it should not be expected to look factory new.
- Toning, horizontal creasing, wrinkles, surface waviness, discoloration and small marks are present, consistent with storage, handling and previous display.
- The photographs show the actual piece and form an essential part of the description; colors may vary slightly with lighting and screen settings.
Authenticity & Care
The substrate, pigments, technique, age, artist and temple provenance have not been independently authenticated; the work is not guaranteed to be entirely hand-painted, on silk, or of a particular historical era unless separate documentation is available. Every piece is examined and documented in Japan before dispatch and is offered with the Japonista authenticity guarantee.
Delivery from Japan
Packed by hand in Japan and shipped insured and tracked by EMS or an equivalent express service. Import duties and taxes, where applicable, are payable on arrival. Returns follow our published policy.
Paper & Silk
Scrolls, screens and prints can be examined, documented and conserved before shipping through the Restoration & Documentation Lab™. Request a condition report →
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