Artwork Page for Batō (Horse-Headed) Kannon (base)

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Batō (Horse-Headed) Kannon (base)

馬頭観音像

1600s–1700s

Japan, Edo period

(1615–1868)
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Medium
wood with lacquer, color, and gold
Measurements
Overall: 110.6 cm (43 9/16 in.); Base: 28 cm (11 in.); Figure: 82.6 cm (32 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
John L. Severance Fund 1981.1.b
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Description

Batō Kannon, or Hayagriva Avalokiteshvara in Sanskrit, is the “horse-headed” form of the bodhisattva of compassion, who presides over the realm of animals in the Buddhist Six Realms of Transmigration (rebirth). A horse’s head appears in the hair of this sculpture to identify it. Bodhisattvas are beings who, though enlightened, choose to remain within the worlds of existence to help others. The six realms are heaven, hell, human, animal, hungry ghost, and ashura, or fierce supernatural entities.
A circular wood and lacquer pedestal features a flat platform nestled within layers of upturned purple petals. Each petal displays a stamped gold floral crest. Below, a bulbous section is carved with ornate gilded scrollwork. The broad base consists of stacked circular levels embellished with geometric bands, dark lacquer panels, and gilded relief. The sculpture transitions between deep brown and rich gold finishes across its tiered, circular form.

Batō (Horse-Headed) Kannon (base)

1600s–1700s

Japan, Edo period (1615–1868)

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