The Eleven-headed Kannon (Juichimen Kannon), Heian Period, early 10th century, was originally housed at the Kofuku Temple in Nara, Japan, which is closely associated with the Fujiwara clan, one of the most powerful aristocratic families of the time. The temple was a significant religious and political center, and the statue played an important role in the Fujiwara’s patronage of Buddhism. Over the centuries, due to various conflicts, fires, and restoration efforts, many original artifacts from Kofuku-ji, including the Eleven-headed Kannon, have either been relocated to museums or lost. A set of documents that were discovered within the piece suggests that the Eleven-headed Kannon was moved to the Tokondo (The Eastern Golden Hall) of the Kofuki-ji in Nara at the time of the Meiji Restoration (1868), from the Kasuga Shrine where it had been held for around 1000 years. While at the Kasuga Shrine, it was said to have been responsible for many miracles.

Sean McCarthy, Class of 2026, College of the Holy Cross