A standing Kannon Bosatsu, drawn in elegant gold-toned line on a deep black ground, stands beneath a compact block of Heart Sutra calligraphy. Image and scripture together give this vintage kakejiku a quiet devotional authority suited to an altar, tokonoma or contemplative interior.
The Piece
This vintage Japanese kakejiku depicts Kannon Bosatsu beneath a finely rendered transcription of the Heart Sutra, the Hannya Shingyō 般若心経. Set against a deep black background, the standing figure is illuminated through gold-toned linework and subtle colored details: the serene face, elaborate crown, layered robes, jewelry and flowing fabric are rendered with remarkable intricacy. Kannon holds a small vessel near the waist, while the opposite hand extends a long, slender branch-like element.
Above the figure the delicate gold calligraphy begins with 摩訶般若波羅蜜多心経, the traditional title of the Heart Sutra in East Asian Buddhist calligraphy. The concentrated block of text seems suspended within the black field, while the luminous figure below provides a graceful anchor. Fine lines define the folds of the robes, crown, jewelry, facial features and flowing ornaments, and restrained touches of ivory, red, green and warm gold give the figure dimension. The composition preserves generous negative space, lending both figure and scripture a quiet authority.
The artwork is framed by warm red-and-gold brocade and mounted within a pale blue-gray textile with a subtle repeating pattern, with hanging cords, gold-toned corner fittings and scroll ends completing the large vertical format. Kannon, known in Chinese as Guanyin, is the bodhisattva of compassion, and the Heart Sutra is among the most widely recited texts of East Asian Buddhism; their pairing centers the scroll on wisdom, compassion and reflection.
Details
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Subject: Standing Kannon Bosatsu with small vessel and slender branch-like element, beneath Heart Sutra (Hannya Shingyō 般若心経) calligraphy
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Era: Vintage; undated
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Origin: Japan
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Format: Hanging scroll, kakejiku; large vertical format with hanging cords, decorative fittings and lower scroll rod
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Material: Gold-toned pigment on a dark textile or textile-like surface (apparent); red-and-gold brocade inner borders and pale blue-gray patterned textile mounting
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Color: Black and gold, with touches of ivory, red and green
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Markings: Small gold-toned artist mark or signature at lower right, unread
Condition
- A vintage hanging scroll with natural signs of age, storage, handling and previous display.
- Light creasing or surface waviness, and small marks or spots.
- Subtle variations in the black background and minor rubbing or variation to the gold-toned details.
- Light wear to the textile mounting and age-related wear to the cords, fittings and scroll components.
- The photographs show the actual piece and form an essential part of the condition record; colors may vary slightly with lighting and screen settings.
Authenticity & Care
The small gold-toned artist mark at lower right is unread. The precise materials and technique have not been authenticated, and the close-up photographs should be consulted when judging whether the image is painted, printed, hand-finished or a combination; no guarantee is given of gold leaf, gold ink, silk, entirely hand-painted construction, temple provenance, a particular period or a confirmed artist. 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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