Eleven-Headed Kannon (Jūichimen Kannon)1200s · Study 1970.79

Context from the museum

The Eleven-Headed Kannon, a deity of mercy and compassion in the Buddhist pantheon, was introduced into Japan in the 600s. By the 700s it had gained in 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 indicate 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 inappropriate for this early religious image and so new, specially designed ones are now in place.

Museum description reproduced from its CC0 open-access record. Read the original catalog entry.

Read the dimensions before the image

The selected overall measurement for Eleven-Headed Kannon (Jūichimen Kannon) is 39.7 cm wide and 106.7 cm high, equivalent to approximately 15.6 × 42.0 inches. Dividing width by height gives a format ratio of 0.37:1. The rectangular bounding area is 0.42 square meters; it describes the measured footprint, not the amount of paint or the monetary value.

On an illustrative 300 cm wall, the recorded width occupies 13.2% of the span before adding a frame. A centered placement leaves approximately 130.2 cm on each side before adding a frame. These are calculations by Physical Art For Crypto using museum measurements. They are not the museum’s display recommendations.

Questions to bring to your own collection

With Eleven-Headed Kannon (Jūichimen Kannon) in view, identify one feature you can point to, then distinguish what the museum records from your personal response. Keep its medium, hanging scroll; color and cut gold (kirikane) on silk, in your notes when comparing contemporary works.

• Which part of this vertical composition catches your eye first?
• Would a 39.7 cm width still suit the space after allowing for furniture and a frame?
• What surface detail would you need to see in person or in a close photograph?