Vintage Buddhist Photography: Miroku Bosatsu Face, Horyu-Ji Temple

This photograph depicts a statue of Miroku Bosatsu, also known as Maitrey in Sanskrit, revered in Japan as the Buddha of the Future (and in Tibetan Buddhism as the Lord of Love). This is one of the most famous statues of Miroku Bosatsu, sitting in the Main Hall at the Horyu-Ji Temple in Nara, Japan, one of the first Buddhist temples in the country.
 
We believe this was picked up by the Burr sisters who visited Japan in the 1920s and 1930s. On the back is a red stamp in the shape of a turtle, presumably with the dealer’s name within the shell. In light handwriting in pencil is written ‘Detail the “Chiguyi Kwannon” attributed by Fenollosa to Shotoku-Taishi now at Horiuji’. 
 
Chigui Kannon is the Japanese name for the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, a revered deity in Japanese Buddhism, widely recognized as the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Kannon's name translates to "one who observes/hears all" or "watchful listening". We do not believe this image is of Chigui Kannon however.
 
The photo is in very good vintage condition only a slight curl to the paper as visible in photos.
 
H 11” x L 9”
 
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