Bodhisattvas: Symbols of Salvation and Support

In Buddhist lore, Bodhisattvas (bosatsu in Japanese) are deities who, despite having attained enlightenment for themselves, willingly descend into the human realm, where they face the joys and sorrows of human life and extend a hand in salvation. Revered especially among the common people, these characters range from the shape-shifting Kannon to Jizo, guardian of children and saviour of lost souls, and have been depicted in art since antiquity. This exhibition consists of around 40 pieces, mainly paintings and sculptures, from the Asuka period (6th-7th century) all the way up to the Edo era.