A Wood Figure of Juichimen Kannon [the Eleven Headed Bodhisattva]

The Juichimen Kannon [Eleven-Headed Avalokitesvara] may have ten heads of the bodhisattva surrounding the crown of the main figure, and with a central figure of Amida Buddha, making the total of eleven. Classically the three at the front are compassionate, three on the left are angry, three on the right have fangs, and one at the back is cheerful. The number of heads may be less, like the 8th century figure in the Horyuji temple which has nine. The number of arms can also vary up to six, although it might be argued that the Senju Kannon [Thousand armed Kannon] is a version of the deity. Juichimen Kannon became very popular during the Heian and Kamakura periods when many images were made. The bodhisattva invariably holds a lotus blossom in a vase, usually in the left hand of a standing figure, and the right hand lowered in a peace-bestowing mudra.