Jizō, the Bodhisattva of the Earth Store, Japan, Kamakura period (1185–1333),  late 12th–mid-13th century. Wood with lacquer, gold leaf, cut gold leaf (kirikane), and color. Figure with base: H. 181.6 cm; W. 72.4 cm; D. 57.4 cm; Figure with base and staff: H. 188.6 cm. Rogers Fund, 18.93 © The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York 

Here, the bodhisattva Jizō (Sanskrit: Kshitigarbha) takes the guise of an itinerant monk. He holds in his left hand a wish-fulfilling jewel and in his right a monk’s staff topped with six rings that jingle to announce his arrival. Jizō’s compassionate presence illuminates the righteous way from hell to paradise, and he saves from harm those who call out to him.

The beautiful flowing movement of the garment helps date this work to the early Kamakura period. The lower half of the sculpture bears traces of richly colored paint and cut-gold decoration, providing a rare glimpse of the work’s original appearance.