Japan, Kamakura Period (1185-1333) / Eleven-Headed Deity of Compassion (Juichimen Kannon) / 13th century

Japan, Kamakura Period (1185-1333)
Eleven-Headed Deity of Compassion (Juichimen Kannon)
13th century
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Creator Nationality: Asian; Far East Asian; Japanese
Creator Name-CRT: Japan, Kamakura Period (1185-1333)
Title: Eleven-Headed Deity of Compassion (Juichimen Kannon)
Title Type: Primary
View: Full View
Creation Start Date: 1200
Creation End Date: 1299
Creation Date: 13th century
Object Type: Paintings
Classification Term: Painting
Materials and Techniques: hanging scroll; color and cut gold (kirikane) on silk
Dimensions: Overall: 106.7cm x 39.7cm
AMICA Contributor: The Cleveland Museum of Art
Owner Location: Cleveland, Ohio, USA
ID Number: 1970.79
Credit Line: John L. Severance Fund
Rights: http://www.clemusart.com/museum/disclaim2.html
Style or Period: Japan, Kamakura Period (1185-1333)
Context:

The Eleven-Headed Kannon, a deity of mercy and compassion in the Buddhist pantheon, was introduced into Japan in the seventh century. By the eighth century it had gained popularity among an increasing number of believers, a condition it enjoyed until the end of the Kamakura period. The modest size and high quality of the materials apparent in this work indicates its use as a private devotional image.

An earlier restoration of this painting included the use of an entire silk backing layer rather than silk patches with a paper backing. The tension that resulted between these two layers of silk, one old and the other recent, caused serious cracking to occur in the painting's surface. Moreover, the silk backing had been dyed a dark tone which did not enhance the appearance of the painting, although it did help hide damaged areas in the surface silk.

Now two layers of backing paper support the painting, with its carefully fitted silk patches. These are toned slightly differently from the original surface values so that viewers can distinguish between the original and the modern, restored areas. The original metal fittings have also been cleaned and reused. Other replacement fittings were deemed qualitatively inappropriate for this early religious image and so new, specially designed ones are now in place.

AMICA ID: CMA_.1970.79
AMICA Library Year: 2002
Media Metadata Rights: Copyright, The Cleveland Museum of Art

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