b'IhighlightEleven-headed KannonTHE BODHISATTVA IS A BEING IN PURSUIT OF AWAKENING who is ready for Buddhahood. But they postpone entering nirvana, and insteaddeliberately stay in the world of suffering to help others attain enlightenment. Motivated by this great compassion, bodhisattvas carry out unselfish acts, f om which karmic merits are accrued to give to those in need.An important deity in the esoteric sects of Buddhism, the eleven-headed Bodhisattva of Compassion (Sanskrit: Avalokitesvara; Japanese: Kannon) adds 11 additional heads on top of Kannons own. Ten take the form of bodhisattvas representing the 10 stages toward enlightenment, while the topmost one is the Amida Buddha, from whom Kannon emanates. The combination of 11 heads with four arms is exclusive to Esoteric Bud-dhism in Japan, and the sculpture was most likely used on an altar at such a temple.In the standard iconography, the upper hands normally hold lotus flowers, which would make mo e63sense given the vase in the grip of the lower left hand. Therefore, the current upper right hand that clasps a spear might have been a later replacement. The lower right hand follows the convention and forms the fearlessness mudra. The elaborate headgear and the flowing drapery a e in the style of the Kei School, which originated in Nara in the Kamakura period (11851333). The low placement of the skirt around the hips is exemplary of Edo-period (16151868) artistic practice. Despite the relatively small scale, the sculpture has an impressive presence.above:Unknown. Japan. Eleven-headed Kannon (Avalokitesvara). Edo period (16151868), 17th18th century. Gilded wood with metal decoration.Purchased with the Carroll and Nolen Asian Art Acquisition Fund'