Triptych of White-robed Kannon, Kanzan, and Jittoku

Unidentified artist

Not on view

The central figure in this triptych represents the White-robed Kannon, a form of the compassionate bodhisattva Kannon that was popular in Zen Buddhism. As is usual with this subject, the bodhisattva is shown seated on a rocky promontory above a body of water, surrounded by a halo-like radiance. An overhanging branch and hints of a rocky ravine in the background are suggested by soft, washy ink brush strokes. The two disheveled, somewhat wild-looking figures in the paintings flanking the Kannon are Kanzan and Jittoku, two quasi-historical eccentrics from Zen legend. All three figures were popular subjects for Zen-inspired ink monochrome painting in Japan

This type of composition for the White-robed Kannon derived from Chinese ink paintings on the subject that came to Japan along with Zen Buddhism in the 14th century. The Kannon from a triptych painted by the great Chinese monk-artist Muqi (active late 13th to early 14th century) appears to have served as a model for many Japanese renditions of the subject. The unkempt eccentrics Kanzan and Jittoku became popular subjects for Zen artists during the Muromachi period (1392–1573), and this triptych represents a very early depiction of the pair in Japanese painting.

Triptych of White-robed Kannon, Kanzan, and Jittoku, Unidentified artist , 14th century, Set of three hanging scrolls; ink on silk;, Japan

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Open Access

As part of the Met's Open Access policy, you can freely copy, modify and distribute this image, even for commercial purposes.

API

Public domain data for this object can also be accessed using the Met's Open Access API.

Triptych of White-robed Kannon, Kanzan, and Jittoku, Unidentified artist , 14th century, Set of three hanging scrolls; ink on silk;, Japan
Triptych of White-robed Kannon, Kanzan, and Jittoku, Unidentified artist , 14th century, Set of three hanging scrolls; ink on silk;, Japan
Triptych of White-robed Kannon, Kanzan, and Jittoku, Unidentified artist , 14th century, Set of three hanging scrolls; ink on silk;, Japan
Triptych of White-robed Kannon, Kanzan, and Jittoku, Unidentified artist , 14th century, Set of three hanging scrolls; ink on silk;, Japan
Triptych of White-robed Kannon, Kanzan, and Jittoku, Unidentified artist , 14th century, Set of three hanging scrolls; ink on silk;, Japan
Triptych of White-robed Kannon, Kanzan, and Jittoku, Unidentified artist , 14th century, Set of three hanging scrolls; ink on silk;, Japan
Triptych of White-robed Kannon, Kanzan, and Jittoku, Unidentified artist , 14th century, Set of three hanging scrolls; ink on silk;, Japan

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.