The Bodhisattva Jizō, by Intan (Japanese, active 13th century), 1291, Kamakura period (1185–1333). Japanese cypress wood (hinoki) with polychrome pigments, gold paint (kindei), cut gold leaf (kirikane), and rock-crystal eyes. H (with pedestal) 135.9 cm; W. 27.9 cm. Purchase, Florence and Herbert Irving Acquisitions Fund for Asian Art, Florence and Herbert Irving Acquisitions Fund, by exchange, The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Foundation Fund, Brooke Russell Astor Bequest, and Fletcher Fund, 2023.640a–c. © The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York 

Jizō is an enlightened being who, out of compassion, leads others along the Buddhist path. He is best known for rescuing souls from hell and protecting children. In this sculpture, Jizō is portrayed as a youthful monk with a shaved head and a patchwork surplice layered over his robe. He wields a monk’s staff in his right hand—which he rattles to awaken humans from their delusions—while in his left he holds a jewel of wisdom that grants all wishes. Jizō’s long earlobes and the urna on his forehead symbolize his enlightened state. This sculpture, one of only three surviving works bearing the name of the sculptor Intan, is signed on one of the wood tenons used to slot the bodhisattva’s feet into the lotus base.