19 Nojo Kannon

It is common for people to sit on rocks by the seaside and indulge in thought, and the term “nojo” refers to making the waves quiet. This Kannon is believed to calm those in distress in the rough seas who set sail in search of the seven Buddhist treasures (gold, silver, pearls, agate, crystal, coral, and lapis lazuli). She protects and purifies various maladies and afflictions, granting tranquility, and helps travelers make their way to the other shore. This Nojo Kannon created by Rakuzan Takahashi stands atop a rock. This work, supervised by dry-goods merchant Tokuzo Yamada, features a contemporary and balanced form, wearing an elegant heavenly raiment, a crown, and a necklace, and depicts a feminine Kannon that confers quietude and tranquility.