Water-Moon Kannon (Suigetsu Kannon)1868–1912 · Study 1992.119

Context from the museum

Kannon represents a primary figure of benevolence and compassion in the Buddhist pantheon. Identified early in Buddhist texts as a close attendant to the Buddha, by the 700s Kannon's popularity soared to such an extent in China, Korea, and Japan that the bodhisattva was often worshipped independently. Here at the lower left, Kannon is depicted with the child Zenzai Dōji (Sakskrit: Sudhana), a wealthy boy who, according to the final chapter of the Flower Garland Sutra , visited Kannon's abode Fudaraka (Sanskrit: Potalaka) during a long journey to learn the bodhisattva path.

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

Read the dimensions before the image

The selected painting measurement for Water-Moon Kannon (Suigetsu Kannon) is 41.9 cm wide and 104.5 cm high, equivalent to approximately 16.5 × 41.1 inches. Dividing width by height gives a format ratio of 0.40:1. The rectangular bounding area is 0.44 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 14.0% of the span before adding a frame. A centered placement leaves approximately 129.1 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 Water-Moon Kannon (Suigetsu 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, ink, gold, silver, color, and cut gold-leaf on silk, in your notes when comparing contemporary works.

• Which part of this vertical composition catches your eye first?
• Would a 41.9 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?